Questionnaire based satisfaction survey for telemedicine-based care in multiple sclerosis and related neuroimmunological disorders

Background: Telemedicine is defined as provision of healthcare via an audiovisual connection. Since the advent of the COVID19 pandemic, telemedicine-based video consultations have gained popularity and acceptance amongst patients and providers in delivering health care. It is well recognized that virtual patient encounters via telemedicine could reduce the risk of transmission of the infection to both patients and providers. Although telemedicine has been well studied for neurological specialties like stroke and epilepsy, it's utility in the practice of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroimmunological disorders is less known especially during the time of the pandemic. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and level of satisfaction for patients in providing telemedicine- based care to patients with MS and related neuroimmunological disorders receiving care at the outpatient clinic at Barrow Neurological Institute. We also assessed the feasibility of continuing telemedicine- based care in the future beyond the pandemic. Methods: Ambulatory patients completing a telemedicine encounter were offered a survey questionnaire on visit/encounter related metrics to assess their satisfaction. A total of 105 patients have completed the survey. Results: 81.9% of patients were seen as a follow up visit and 78.8% of patients were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Patients answered multiple questions related to their encounter. 70.4% of patients were satisfied to very satisfied with their visit. 93.3 %patients had access to high-speed internet for their various devices. 64.8% of patients also preferred to have a telemedicine visit scheduled in the future than an in-person visit. Less Travel time, work time off and decreased exposure to COVID 19 were found to be particularly beneficial aspects of telemedicine for patients when compared to in-person visits. Conclusions: Telemedicine based encounters are an effective and feasible way of delivering health care in the practice of MS and neuroimmunology with abundant prospects beyond the pandemic. Patients were able to identify specific areas of benefit from telemedicine visits both related to and unrelated to the pandemic. Majority of patients also had favorable opinion of their encounter and reported high levels of satisfaction when compared to in-person visits.