Telehealth for persons with multiple sclerosis – Experiences and suggestions for improvement

Telehealth for persons with multiple sclerosis – Experiences and
suggestions for improvement

Yvonne Learmonth^1,2,3, Brook Galna^1,2, Laura Laslett⁴, Ingrid van der Mei⁴, Claudia Marck<sup>5

1</sup>School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
²Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, and Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
³Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
⁴Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas, Australia
⁵Disability and Health Unit, the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia

Abstract

Background:
We investigated how commonly telehealth is used by people with MS, their satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 period, and recommendations to improve their experiences with telehealth.
Methods:
In October-December 2020 we surveyed Australians with MS. We collected demographic, disease-related and social health determinant data, data on telehealth use and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations on telehealth improvements. We conducted univariate analysis to compare factors associated with telehealth use versus no use, established frequencies of experiences and suggestions for improvement, and conducted thematic analysis on free-text suggestions for improvement.
Results:
Of the 1485 participants, 69.7% had used telehealth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were small differences in demographical, disease and social health determinants to explain telehealth use . Most participants who used telehealth had good or very good experiences (74.3%). Most common suggestions to improve telehealth experiences was “guidance on preparing for telehealth sessions” (n = 545, 60%). Themes of expansion in telehealth availability and expansion to physical tests and physical treatments were wanted by participants.
Conclusion:
Persons with MS in Australia commonly used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and were generally satisfied with their experiences. Implementing the suggested improvements will further optimise the use of telehealth.

Biography

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