title: The interactive web-based program MSmonitor for self-management and multidisciplinary care in multiple sclerosis: utilization and valuation by patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  MSmonitor is an interactive web-based program for self-management and integrated, multidisciplinary care in multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  To assess the utilization and valuation by persons with multiple sclerosis, we held an online survey among those who had used the program for at least 1 year. We evaluated the utilization and meaningfulness of the program's elements, perceived use of data by neurologists and nurses, and appreciation of care, self-management, and satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-five persons completed the questionnaire (estimated response rate 40%). The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP), Medication and Adherence Inventory, Activities Diary, and electronic consultation (e-consult) were used by 40%, 55%, 47%, and 44% of respondents and were considered meaningful by 83%, 81%, 54%, and 88%, respectively. During out-patient consultations, nurses reportedly used the MSmonitor data three to six times more frequently than neurologists. As to nursing care, more symptoms were dealt with (according to 54% of respondents), symptoms were better discussed (69%), and the overall quality of care had improved (60%) since the use of the program. As to neurological care, these figures were 24%, 31%, and 27%, respectively. In 46% of the respondents, the insight into their symptoms and disabilities had increased since the use of the program; the MSIP, Activities Diary, and e-consult had contributed most to this improvement. The overall satisfaction with the program was 3.5 out of 5, and 73% of the respondents would recommend the program to other persons with multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A survey among persons with multiple sclerosis using the MSmonitor program showed that the MSIP, Medication and Adherence Inventory, Activities Diary, and e-consult were frequently used and that the MSIP, Medication and Adherence Inventory, and e-consult were appreciated the most. Moreover, the quality of nursing care, but not so neurological care, had improved, which may relate to nurses making more frequent use of the MSmonitor data than neurologists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; MS4 Research Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Peter Joseph
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Jongen
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre Leeuwarden, Medical Centre Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ludovicus G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Sinnige
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical Centre Alkmaar, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Björn M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: van Geel
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Freek
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Verheul
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Wim I
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Verhagen
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Slingeland Hospital, Doetinchem, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ruud A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: van der Kruijk
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Zuwe Hofpoort Hospital, Woerden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Reinoud
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haverkamp
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Westfries Gasthuis, Hoorn, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Hans M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Schrijver
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Almelo-Hengelo, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jacoba C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Baart
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre Midden Brabant, St Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Leo H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Visser
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre Midden Brabant, Tweesteden Hospital, Delft, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Edo P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Arnoldus
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Herman Jacobus
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Gilhuis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Viecuri Medical Centre, Venlo-Venray, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pop
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Amphia Hospital, Breda, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Booy
authors.affiliation: MH Advies en organisatiebureau, Assen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heerings
authors.affiliation: Curavista bv, Geertruidenberg, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kool
authors.affiliation: Curavista bv, Geertruidenberg, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Noort
keywords: adherence; diary; e-consult; impact; inventory; patient-reported outcome