Do MS Patients Prefer Telehealth? What the Study Shows

Credibility

Interest

Key Takeaway

Most people with MS in Switzerland do not want telehealth to replace regular in-person care, but those who already use digital tools for health are more open to it.

What They Found

Researchers surveyed 427 people with MS to see if they would accept telehealth (phone or video appointments) as the main way to see their doctor. Only 15.5% said they would accept telehealth as the default, meaning most prefer in-person visits except when really needed. People who already exchanged messages or calls with their health team or who looked up doctors online were much more likely to accept telehealth. Very few people who accepted telehealth had actually used it before, so willingness isn’t the same as experience. Patients with advanced MS (called secondary progressive MS) were less likely to accept telehealth, possibly because they need more hands-on care or complex checks.

Who Should Care and Why

People living with MS and their caregivers should care because this affects how easy it will be to switch to phone or video visits for routine check-ups or follow-ups. If you already use email, patient portals, or search for doctors online, you may find telehealth works well for saving travel time and energy—like using a phone call instead of driving to a store for a quick question. Caregivers who help with appointments should know that many patients might still prefer face-to-face visits, especially if hands-on help, physical tests, or complex symptom checks are needed. Health care teams should note that offering help to learn tech could increase acceptance—think of it like teaching someone to use online banking so they can manage payments from home. Clinics planning to use more telehealth should pay special attention to patients with more advanced MS, who may need in-person visits more often.

Important Considerations

This study was done in Switzerland and used a survey, so results might be different in other countries or with other groups of patients. Because only a small number of people had tried telehealth, the study can’t say how people would feel after more experience with good telehealth visits. The study shows associations (things that go together) but cannot prove that using the internet causes someone to like telehealth—other factors like access to devices or comfort with technology also matter.

Categories:

Living with MS MS Diagnostics Caregivers

Article Topics:

acceptancechronic disease managementdigital healthmultiple sclerosispatient preferencestelehealth as a defaulttelemedicine

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like JMIR mHealth and uHealth often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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