Jill R Settle1, Stephanie A Robinson2, Robert Kane3, Heidi W Maloni2, Mitchell T Wallin4. 1. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC/ Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence-East, USA jill.settle@va.gov. 2. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC/ Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence-East, USA. 3. Neurology Department, Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA. 4. Department of Veterans Affairs MS Center of Excellence-East and Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: measuring cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging given the obstacles faced when traveling to testing centers. OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of remote cognitive assessment in patients with MS using theautomated neuropsychological assessment metrics (ANAM-MS) and the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). METHODS:patients meeting the McDonald criteria for MS (n = 24) were randomized to complete the live-in-office condition or a remote-in-office condition first, with all patients completing both sessions. Patients (n = 20) then completed a final remote-in-home testing session. Both remote sessions were proctored by a psychologist using a secure telehealth connection. RESULTS: scores on the live SDMT differed from scores in the two remote settings F(2, 38) = 4.46, p = 0.018. However, summary scores on the ANAM-MS were similar across the three settings, F(2, 36) = 2.21, p = 0.124. Satisfaction with telehealth testing was high on the part of the examiner and patients. Each telehealth testing session saved more than $144.00 in travel costs and lost wages. CONCLUSION: this study demonstrated that valid results can be obtained when evaluating patients remotely using ANAM-MS. Some differences were noted for the SDMT that suggest that either specific norms or a different implementation approach may be needed for telehealth.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: measuring cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging given the obstacles faced when traveling to testing centers. OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of remote cognitive assessment in patients with MS using the automated neuropsychological assessment metrics (ANAM-MS) and the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). METHODS:patients meeting the McDonald criteria for MS (n = 24) were randomized to complete the live-in-office condition or a remote-in-office condition first, with all patients completing both sessions. Patients (n = 20) then completed a final remote-in-home testing session. Both remote sessions were proctored by a psychologist using a secure telehealth connection. RESULTS: scores on the live SDMT differed from scores in the two remote settings F(2, 38) = 4.46, p = 0.018. However, summary scores on the ANAM-MS were similar across the three settings, F(2, 36) = 2.21, p = 0.124. Satisfaction with telehealth testing was high on the part of the examiner and patients. Each telehealth testing session saved more than $144.00 in travel costs and lost wages. CONCLUSION: this study demonstrated that valid results can be obtained when evaluating patients remotely using ANAM-MS. Some differences were noted for the SDMT that suggest that either specific norms or a different implementation approach may be needed for telehealth.
Authors: Martina Chirra; Luca Marsili; Linsdey Wattley; Leonard L Sokol; Elizabeth Keeling; Simona Maule; Gabriele Sobrero; Carlo Alberto Artusi; Alberto Romagnolo; Maurizio Zibetti; Leonardo Lopiano; Alberto J Espay; Ahmed Z Obeidat; Aristide Merola Journal: Telemed J E Health Date: 2018-08-23 Impact factor: 3.536
Authors: Michaela F George; Calliope B Holingue; Farren B S Briggs; Xiaorong Shao; Kalliope H Bellesis; Rachel A Whitmer; Catherine Schaefer; Ralph Hb Benedict; Lisa F Barcellos Journal: J Neurol Neuromedicine Date: 2016
Authors: Jennifer A Eastman; Allison R Kaup; Amber L Bahorik; Xochitl Butcher; Mouna Attarha; Jeffrey E Olgin; Deborah E Barnes; Kristine Yaffe; Gregory M Marcus; Mark J Pletcher Journal: JMIR Form Res Date: 2022-02-02