https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2162-0474
Abstract
Background
As the number of treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) has expanded, alignment between physician and patient on effects of medication has emerged as important for medication persistence/discontinuation.
Objective
To evaluate physician–patient agreement levels on medication effect and health status.
Methods
Persons with MS (PwMS) (n=71) participated in a cross-sectional study collecting their satisfaction (using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication), intention to dis/continue treatment and global health perception; physicians assessed response to medication and global health status.
Results
Concordance between PwMS' assessment of medication effectiveness and physician’s assessment on response to medication, health status and EDSS were rs= 0.50, rs= 0.57 and rs= −0.58, respectively.
Conclusion
The significant concordance attests to physician–patient effective communication and may contribute to improved medication adherence.
Ethics
This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Disclosure
Dr. Miller has served on the scientific advisory board, and received personal compensation for consulting and/or speaking activities and/or honoraria and/or received grant support for research from: Avanir Pharmaceuticals; Bayer-Schering Pharma; Biogen Idec; Mapi Pharma; Medison Pharma Ltd.; Merck Serono; Novartis; Sanofi-Genzyme; and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.