Abstract Details

Title Teleneurology Visits Had Similar to Lower Odds of Completion of AAN Multiple Sclerosis Quality Measures Compared to In-person Visits

Topic Practice, Policy, and Ethics

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 10-002

Background

The use of teleneurology in multiple sclerosis (MS) care has increased and may be beneficial in terms of access, but the quality of the care given compared to in-person visits is uncertain.

Objective To investigate the relationship between visit type and the completion of AAN Multiple Sclerosis Quality Measures (MSQMs).

Design/Methods In this retrospective cohort study, a random sample of 217 adult MS patients who completed two MS office visits at least 2 years +/- 6 months apart from 1/2019-7/2021 at a single MS center were included. Generalized linear mixed effects models were created to assess the association between visit type and the completion of each MSQM. Each model controlled for patient-level variables (race/ethnicity, gender, rural/urban status, area deprivation index, insurance, MS type, and patient determined disease steps).

Results 217 patients were included (median age 52, 80% white, 76% female, 66% relapsing remitting MS). MRI and DMT MSQMs had high completion rates regardless of visit type and were therefore not modeled (97% and 100% completion respectively). The odds of completion of the screening MSQM for bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction did not differ significantly for in-person or virtual visits (OR 0.74, p=0.17). The odds of completion of the screening MSQMs of cognitive, fatigue, and exercise were significantly lower for virtual visits than for in-person visits (OR 0.32, p<0.001; OR 0.33, p=0.002; OR 0.36, p<0.001 respectively). Irrespective of visit type, the odds of completion of screening MSQMs did not differ significantly by age, race, ethnicity, ADI, or rural/urban status (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Teleneurology visits had similar odds of completion for some MSQMs, but lower for others. Although teleneurology has potential benefits, efforts are needed to ensure high-quality care is maintained. Health disparities were not observed for MSQM completion, but as QMs evolve, health equity should be a priority for all patients.

Authors/Disclosures
Samantha J. Tidd PRESENTER	Mrs. Tidd has nothing to disclose.
Mengke Du (Cleveland Clinic)	No disclosure on file
Sarita Walvekar	Sarita Walvekar has nothing to disclose.
Kelly Bowen	No disclosure on file
Saswat Sahoo	Mr. Sahoo has nothing to disclose.
Elizabeth Mearns, PhD (Genentech)	Dr. Mearns has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Genentech. Dr. Mearns has stock in Genentech.
Nikki Win	Nikki Win has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Genentech. Nikki Win has stock in Genentech .
Marisa P. McGinley, DO (Cleveland Clinic)	Dr. McGinley has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Octave. Dr. McGinley has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Genentech. Dr. McGinley has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for EMD Serono. The institution of Dr. McGinley has received research support from Novartis. The institution of Dr. McGinley has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. McGinley has received research support from Genentech. The institution of Dr. McGinley has received research support from NIH.