Knowledge and Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients with Myasthenia Gravis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may be particularly vulnerable during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to risk of worsening disease during infection, potential adverse impacts of COVID-19 treatments on neuromuscular transmission, and a limited ability to fight off infection related to immunosuppressive treatments. Our goal is to understand how patients are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, including where they receive relevant information, how it has affected medical care, and what measures they use to protect themselves.
METHODS: This is a prospective online survey study at large academic practice. All patients with a neuromuscular junction disorder diagnosis code in the Duke Health System were invited to participate.
RESULTS: 1,848 patients were approached to participate and 75 completed the survey between April 16, 2020 and May 28, 2020. The most frequently used information sources were non-presidential federal government (75%), state government (57%), local healthcare provider (37%), and television news (36%). Non-presidential federal government (80%), local healthcare providers (55%), state government (33%) and patient support organizations (29%) were considered the most trusted information sources. Thirty-three (44%) of survey responders had attended a telemedicine visit. Patients were taking recommended precautions during the pandemic and remained very concerned (69%) about COVID-19. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores were moderate-severe in 20% of responders. DISCUSSION: Health care providers, the government, and patient organizations play a critical role in communicating with the MG patient community. Use of targeted messaging strategies by these groups to convey accurate information may increase effectiveness and lead to more informed patients with reduced anxiety. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.