Experiences of People with MS and Healthcare Professionals on Diagnostic Process
Interviews with 9 people with MS and 10 healthcare professionals identified challenges and benefits of using CVS and PRL as diagnostic biomarkers. Themes included pathway inefficiencies, clinician hesitancy, and suggested improvements like HCP training and enhanced collaboration. Benefits noted were reduced lumbar punctures and improved diagnostic accuracy.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding the barriers to implementing updated diagnostic criteria can help improve the diagnosis and patient experience in MS, potentially leading to more efficient care.
What this does not prove
The study found challenges like care delivery inequality and clinician hesitancy, which could impede effective implementation of revised diagnostic protocols.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-02-02
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- 9 people with MS and 10 healthcare professionals
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceChanging the Multiple Sclerosis Diagnostic Pathway: Insights From Stakeholders on Implementing Novel Radiological Biomarkers. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-022
Supporting passages (7)
publication datePublication date: 2026-02-02
interventionThe 2024 revised McDonald diagnostic criteria incorporate the central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), radiological biomarkers that offer the potential to improve the diagnostic pathway.
limitationsChallenges to implementation include pathway inefficiencies, care delivery inequality, insufficient communication, financial constraints, capacity limitations, and clinician hesitancy with the revised criteria.
populationMETHODS: The study aims were to: (1) investigate the experiences of people with MS and health care professionals (HCPs) regarding the current diagnostic process, and (2) identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing the revised diagnostic criteria.
findingsRESULTS: Interviews revealed 4 themes: current challenges for the diagnostic pathway, CVS/PRL implementation barriers, the benefits of CVS/PRL implementation, and suggestions for overcoming implementation barriers and improving the diagnostic pathway . Challenges to implementation include pathway inefficiencies, care delivery inequality, insufficient communication, financial constraints, capacity limitations, and clinician hesitancy with the revised criteria. Suggested strategies for implementation and improvement included HCP training, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, evaluating implemented changes, and delivering emotional and practical support during diagnosis. Benefits for CVS/PRL implementation included reduced reliance on lumbar punctures, improved patient experience, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsMETHODS: The study aims were to: (1) investigate the experiences of people with MS and health care professionals (HCPs) regarding the current diagnostic process, and (2) identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing the revised diagnostic criteria.
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