Abstract Details

Title Utilization and Dissemination of the VISIBL-MS Tool to Increase Awareness of Multiple Sclerosis in a Multi-state Rural Population in the United States

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P3 - Poster Session 3 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 18-006

Objective To examine the utilization of VISIBL-MS to increase MS awareness in rural populations.

Background Rural community awareness for MS and provider knowledge is low, neurologist access is difficulty leading to delays in diagnosis, treatment and early disability for rural residents. VISIBL-MS is an open access bilingual tool that presents the CIS symptoms in plain language to increase non-neurologist awareness

Design/Methods Since July 2024, The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) partnered with organizations delivering health services to populations at risk in rural areas to distribute VISIBL-MS in rural counties of Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The implementation steps included 1) Demonstration of VISIBL-MS for partners 2) Training, material distribution to community and health events 3) Ongoing written feedback from the community partners about the tool

Results Prior to the utilization of VISIBL, an attempt to utilize 1-page infographic about MS was unsuccessful. All partners distributed VISIBL-MS and delivered training to staff on utilization of the tool during Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. in total VISIBL-MS has been distributed to 223 rural health clinics, patient associations, support groups, health education centers, and health departments. Additionally, project staff distributed VISIBL-MS and exhibited at rural community events and conferences. In total, the VISIBL-MS tool has been distributed in 32 rural counties affecting 3.5 million rural inhabitants and 15000 possible cases of based on MS prevalence.

Conclusions Feedback from end user has been positive and includes, VISIBL-MS is simple and quick to read with clear instructions useful tool to educate and screen people at risk for MS. Helpful visuals and evidence-base increases trust in utilization. There is a need of Integrating VISIBL-MS into existing staff workflows. To develop referral processes based on the identification of people at risk. This implementation study supports the continuing implementation of VISIBL-MS for increasing awareness for MS in rural populations

Authors/Disclosures
Lauren Ruiz PRESENTER	Mrs. Ruiz has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Institute for Public Health Innovation.
Karen K. Altomari-Nelson, RN	Mrs. Altomari-Nelson has nothing to disclose.
Jaime Imitola, MD, FAAN (UConn Health MS center)	The institution of Dr. Imitola has received research support from Genentech. Dr. Imitola has a non-compensated relationship as a Board Member with National MS Society that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Imitola has a non-compensated relationship as a Committee Member with International Society for Stem Cell Research that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.

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