Yvonne C Learmonth

Background: We investigated how commonly telehealth is used by people with MS, their satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 period, and recommendations to improve their experiences with telehealth.

Methods: In October-December 2020 we surveyed Australians with MS. We collected demographic, disease- related and social health determinant data, data on telehealth use and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations on telehealth improvements. We conducted univariate analysis to compare factors associated with telehealth use versus no use, established frequencies of experiences and suggestions for improvement, and conducted thematic analysis on free-text suggestions for improvement.

Results: Of the 1485 participants, 69.7% had used telehealth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were small differences in demographical, disease and social health determinants to explain telehealth use.Most participants who used telehealth had good or very good experiences (74.3%). Most common
suggestions to improve telehealth experiences was “guidance on preparing for telehealth sessions” (n = 545, 60%). Themes of expansion in telehealth availability and expansion to physical test and physical treatments were wanted by participants.

Conclusion: Persons with MS in Australia commonly used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and were generally satisfied with their experiences. Implementing the suggested improvements will further optimise the use of telehealth.

Exercise is effective for multiple sclerosis (MS) symptom and disease management and can be digitally-delivered. How Australian healthcare professionals (HCP; physiotherapists (PT), exercise physiologists (EP), occupational therapists (OT) prescribe or deliver exercise to MS clients remains unclear. We determined current HCP practices, confidence, and preferences on exercise prescription, and personal educational preferences on telehealth exercise for MS.

Australian neurological HCP completed online surveys. Logistic regression and ANOVA compared responses between HCP, stratified to profession. Four focus groups and thematic analyses were conducted on needs and preferences towards designing educational programs on telehealth exercise delivery for MS.

Fifty-eight HCP responded (34 PT; 14 EP; 10 OT). Differences existed in the familiarity of different professions with current exercise guidelines for MS (EP: 85.7%; PT: 67.6%; OT: 40%). Profession differences existed on confidence to prescribe telehealth exercise (EP 85%; PT 80%; OT 35%; p<0.001). HCP were interested in education on telehealth exercise for MS (EP 100%; PT 91.2%; OT 70%). However, OT (60%) preferred focusing on behavior change, while EP (78.6%) and PT (73.5%) preferred delivering both exercise and behavior change. HCP (N=15) of all professions participated in the focus groups. Main facilitators towards education on telehealth exercise and behaviour change were to increase reach to clients who: live remotely, lack time, and/or face financial restrictions, and increasing professional skills in exercise delivery in MS care. Barriers and concerns included lack of time for education and suitability with current practice. Training resources should address HCP needs to improve exercise delivery in MS care.

Background:
We investigated how commonly telehealth is used by people with MS, their satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 period, and recommendations to improve their experiences with telehealth.

Methods:
In October-December 2020 we surveyed Australians with MS. We collected demographic, disease-related and social health determinant data, data on telehealth use and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations on telehealth improvements. We conducted univariate analysis to compare factors associated with telehealth use versus no use, established frequencies of experiences and suggestions for improvement, and conducted thematic analysis on free-text suggestions for improvement.

Results:
Of the 1485 participants, 69.7% had used telehealth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were small differences in demographical, disease and social health determinants to explain telehealth use . Most participants who used telehealth had good or very good experiences (74.3%). Most common suggestions to improve telehealth experiences was “guidance on preparing for telehealth sessions” (n = 545, 60%). Themes of expansion in telehealth availability and expansion to physical tests and physical treatments were wanted by participants.

Conclusion:
Persons with MS in Australia commonly used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and were generally satisfied with their experiences. Implementing the suggested improvements will further optimise the use of telehealth.