The importance of patient-reported outcomes: A call for their integration in the routine care of patients with multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2025 Jun 29:13524585251349354. doi: 10.1177/13524585251349354. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Common symptoms include physical disability, cognitive impairment, spasticity, fatigue, bowel/bladder dysfunction and depression. The use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be used to systematically assess the burden of the disease and its impact on treatment and health-related quality of life. Assessment of PROs in routine care of people with MS provides a unique and personal insight into the multifaceted impact of the disease, while avoiding perpetuating the paternalistic medical approach that privileges objective medical measurement.This review highlights the potential benefits of integrating PROs in MS routine care from the patient and clinician perspective, describes challenges associated with PRO data collection and their use in routine settings. Challenges in the integration of PROs into routine care include (1) selection of PRO measures, (2) provider and technical workflow and (3) equity, diversity and inclusivity challenges. In addition, the review provides solutions and recommendations to facilitate the integration of PROs in MS care. The adoption of PROs in MS routine care is essential to improve MS individuals' quality of care and deliver patient-centred care, which can lead to increased treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

Keywords: MS; PROs; Patient-reported outcomes; multiple sclerosis; routine care.

Publication types

  • Review