Abstract Details

Title Characterization Of Changes In Multiple Sclerosis Patient Care In Germany During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) MS and CNS Inflammatory Disease Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 015

Objective To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MS patient care and treatment decision in Germany.

Background The lockdown ordered by the German state in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to partly massive restrictions in public and private life. The restrictions and measures that were implemented led to various challenges such as providing patient care. There are great uncertainties among patients and physicians regarding the impact of their disease, especially the impact of immunomodulatory/-suppressive MS therapies on the risk for COVID-19 infection and complications. The recommendations of different MS societies varied in their extent of whether to postpone scheduled applications or to change the current therapy.

Design/Methods An online survey was developed to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily routine of neurologists and its consequences on MS therapy. We expect data from approx. 200 neurologists to be collected at selected clinics and office based practices in Germany during July 2020-February 2021.

Results The majority of neurologists report reorganization of local premises and processes, such as establishing multiple waiting rooms. Until now one third of the neurologists express concerns about extended visits in clinics/practices e.g. during DMT-infusion therapy or clinical study visits and 85% of the neurologists see an advantage towards treatments that are home administered. Around 70% of the neurologists state that patients were insecure about their MS treatment and needed increasingly medical advice regarding their MS disease and the consequences of immunomodulatory therapy. Patients rescheduled or canceled monitoring visits which adds on the risk of non-compliance and hence treatment success.

Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic is causing great uncertainty for MS patients and treating doctors and is presenting a new challenge for the care of MS patients. Evidence-based guidance is required to support a well-informed shared decision-making in MS patient care.

Authors/Disclosures
Carola Wagner PRESENTER	Carola Wagner has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Novartis Pharma GmbH.
Thekla Hemstedt (Novartis Pharma GmbH)	Thekla Hemstedt has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Novartis Pharma GmbH.
Ulf Schulze Topphoff (Novartis Pharma)	Ulf Schulze Topphoff has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Novartis Pharma GmbH.

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