Ipsos Insight LLC

Author Of 2 Presentations

Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis Poster Presentation

P0254 - Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) categorisation of active and non-active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) patients (ID 322)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0254
Presentation Topic
Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Background

Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are increasingly indicated for use in specific patient types, notably ‘active’ Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The need to understand how these patients are categorised amongst HCPs is growing and is of importance in SPMS, with the advent of novel treatments for this patient group.

Objectives

To assess patient profiles of those categorised by HCPs as having active (a-SPMS) and non-active SPMS (na-SPMS) in both the 5EU (UK/France/Germany/Italy/ Spain) and the United States.

Methods

The Ipsos Global MS Therapy Monitor, a multi-centre cross-sectional survey of HCPs (Neurologists; MS nurses included in UK) and retrospective chart-review study of patients with MS runs on a bi-annual basis in 5EU and US. De-identified HCP perceptions and de-identified patient data are collected. HCPs are screened for practice duration (≥3yrs), patient volume (≥15 MS patients/mo.) and recruited from a large panel. HCP perceptions and charts of patients with SPMS abstracted from 10/2019-12/2019 were included in this analysis.

Results

n=344 (5EU) and n=85 (US) patients with na-SPMS and n=275 (5EU) and n=122 (US) patients with a-SPMS were included. Mean average EDSS is similar in na-SPMS versus a-SPMS patients in EU5 and US; 5.41 vs 5.07 (5EU), 4.54 vs 4.45 (US). Despite literature definitions 75.0% of na-SPMS patients (5EU) and 75.0% (US) experienced at least 1 relapse in the last 24 mo. compared to 90.4% (5EU) and 94.4% (US) among a-SPMS patients. Increased lesion load on most recent MRI scan is the key difference between na-SPMS and a-SPMS patient profiles. Of n=333 (5EU) and n=80 (US) na-SPMS patients, 10.5%/3.3% (5EU) and 15.0%/3.8% (US) have ‘increased’ proportion of T2/Gd lesions, respectively. Compared to n=267 (5EU) and n=119 (US) a-SPMS patients where 47.2%/30.7% (5EU) and 60.5%/37.0% (US) have ‘increased’ proportion of T2/Gd lesions, respectively. 259 HCPs (5EU) and 99 HCPs (US) were asked how they monitor progression. Most reported using neurological exam (EU5: 92.3%, US: 94.9%), compared to T2 lesion load (5EU: 68.7%, US:71.7%) and Gd lesion load (5EU: 74.5%, US:73.7%).

Conclusions

In this cohort there is overlap in profiles of a-SPMS patients and na-SPMS patients. Although lesion load change is a key differentiator, the use of MRI to measure progression is not universal. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand diagnosis and categorisation of SPMS patients to ensure successful patient outcomes.

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Internet and Social Media Poster Presentation

P0662 - How patients utilize online data sources to engage with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community and search for information on their condition (ID 321)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0662
Presentation Topic
Internet and Social Media

Abstract

Background

The internet and social media have become an increasingly accessible source of information for MS patients; allowing them to not only expand their knowledge of MS but also connect with fellow sufferers and hence feel part of a community.

Objectives

To assess how use of online information and social media impacts patients’ MS management, in the 5EU (UK/Germany/France/Italy/Spain) and the United States (US).

Methods

The Ipsos MS syndicated Patient Community gathered qualitative patient perceptions via an online community platform; collected via a PC, tablet or app in the 5EU (UK/ Germany/ France/ Italy/ Spain) and US in 9/2019. Patients were recruited from a specific MS patient panel and were taking a range of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) of varying treatment status and MS types.

Results

229 MS patients participated in the MS syndicated Patient Community (n=178/51 5EU/US). Patients typically use official MS specific websites to search for facts seeing these as credible sources whilst Facebook groups are the main social media platform used to engage with other patients, gain first-hand experiences and share support. Patients typically research only at key milestones in their journey; primarily when they are waiting for a diagnosis, when first starting or switching DMT or when suffering from a significant symptom or relapse. Additionally, patients are more likely to research if they feel listened to by their Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) as being able to discuss their online findings provides an incentive to be proactive in their MS management. Patient awareness of the European/Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS) is low; 63.1% of patients have never heard of ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS and many are not aware of key topics and new developments presented, although most have a strong interest to learn.

Conclusions

Patients are less proactive in researching about MS if they feel they are stable on treatment or if there is little HCP engagement to discuss what they have read online. The low awareness of ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS suggests that HCPs are not sharing what they have learned as well there being a lack of patient-friendly conference news. Whilst there is a lot of focus on both pharma and HCPs having a patient-centric approach, additional investigation is needed to identify how to promote an active patient researcher mindset thereby empowering patients to take charge of their MS management.

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