Impact of COVID-19 on care delivered to ms patients: Results from an international survey of healthcare professionals

Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to health care professionals' (HCPs') ability to maintain standard of care for their patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We present findings from a survey of HCPs about the impact of COVID-19 on their patients' well-being and care. Methods: A 15-minute online questionnaire survey of HCPs treating patients with MS was conducted across Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States between June 17 and July 22, 2020. The questionnaire covered the impact of COVID- 19 on their patients' emotional health/well-being, changes and challenges in care, the role of telemedicine, and need for further support. Results: Among 432 HCPs surveyed (general neurologists, 50%;MS specialists, 45%;MS nurses, 5%), 76% expressed concerns for their patients' overall health/well-being, with 61% worrying for patients' emotional status because of the pandemic. During the pandemic, 36% of HCPs were satisfied with their ability to provide care, versus 88% before the pandemic. Overall, 34% of HCPs were satisfied with remote/virtual Expanded Disability Status Scale assessments, with 61% expecting remote consultations to continue after the pandemic for test results, 54% for repeat prescriptions, and 46% for check-ups. HCPs also responded that information on how COVID-19 impacts MS (41%) and treatment (38%) would benefit patients, and about half suggested the pharmaceutical industry implement helplines (47%) and develop educational materials (49%). Conclusion: Our survey revealed that HCPs have been worried about the standard of care during the COVID-19 pandemic and expect telemedicine to become an important part of MS care in the future.