The Impact of Disease-Modifying Therapy Access Barriers on People With Multiple Sclerosis: Mixed-Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the United States, people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) can face difficulty accessing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) because of insurance, pharmacy, or provider policies. These barriers have been associated with poor adherence and negative health outcomes.

Objective

The goals of this study were to describe the overall occurrence of difficulties and delays associated with gaining access to DMTs among people with RRMS, to assess DMT adherence during periods of reduced access, and to contextualize the patients' journey from receipt of a prescription for DMT to obtaining and taking their medication when faced with access barriers.

Methods

We recruited US-based adults self-reporting RRMS from a Web-based health data-sharing social net

SUBMITTER: Simacek KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6234348 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature