Virtual Versus Usual In-office Care for Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Trial (VIRTUAL-MS)
The current standard of outpatient MS care depends on in-clinic visits, but MS patients face many barriers to accessing this care. These barriers include those resulting from the disease itself, such as physical limitations, driving restrictions and financial limitations, and they are further compounded by an overall shortage of neurologists. Furthermore, MS care has a significant economic impact, with the estimated indirect and direct costs for treating MS in the US estimated to be \> $85.4 billion. Therefore, there is a need to improve access to and reduce cost of MS care, and telehealth is a potential solution. The VIRTUAL-MS study has been designed to evaluate the impact of telehealth care on MS clinical outcomes, costs, and satisfaction compared to in-person care. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate facilitators and barriers to telehealth use to inform widespread implementation.
• Ages ≥18
• MS diagnosis within 24 months of randomization by 2017 McDonald Criteria.
• Confirmatory MRI within 12 months prior to randomization.
• Access to either mobile device, laptop or PC with internet connection to be able to conduct virtual visits
• Participant's neurologist and/or advanced practice provider are participating in the study