Healthcare Disruptions and Use of Telehealth Services Among People With Multiple Sclerosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Michelle H Chen, Yael Goverover, Amanda Botticello and 2 others
PMID 35093328WHAT IT FOUND
People with MS experienced fewer healthcare disruptions than healthy controls, but still missed 38% to 50% of medical appointments.
Telehealth use was high and satisfaction was very high, especially for mental health. Functional limitations predicted greater telehealth use.
Key findings
01People with MS reported lower rates of missing or canceling medical appointments and experiencing delays compared to healthy controls.
02Telehealth was used more frequently than in-person visits for MS care, non-MS medical care, and mental health care among people with MS.
03Having a physical disability that prevented employment or requiring an assistive device for walking was associated with higher use of telehealth.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was predominantly White (74%) and had high socioeconomic status, which may not represent the broader MS population. MS diagnoses were self-reported and not verified by physicians. The study did not collect data on health insurance status, which can significantly impact healthcare access. The sample size was relatively small (n=163 total), limiting generalizability. The survey was distributed online, which may have selected for individuals who are more technologically savvy and comfortable with telehealth.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that telehealth is universally preferred or accessible for all patients with MS. The study sample was predominantly White, high-income, and technologically savvy, which may have skewed telehealth satisfaction and usage rates higher than would be seen in more diverse or lower-income populations.