Kamm, CP; von Wyl, V; Anderseck, B; Calabrese, P; Chan, A; Disanto, G; Engelhardt, B; Gobbi, C; Haussler, R; Kamm, CP; Kagi, S; Barin, L; Kesselring, J; Kuhle, J; Kurmann, R; Lotter, C; Luyckx, K; Merkler, D; Monin, P; Muller, S; Nedeltchev, K; Pot, C; Gobbi, C; Puhan, MA; Rapold, I; Salmen, A; Schippling, S; Vaney, C; von Wyl, V; Pot, C; Calabrese, P; Salmen, A; Achtnichts, L; Kesselring, J; Puhan, MA; ,
Background Patient satisfaction is predictive of adherence, malpractice litigation and doctor-switching. Objective To investigate which factors of the first diagnostic consultation ( FDC) influence patient satisfaction and which topics persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) thought were missing. Methods Using retrospective patient-reported data of the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry from PwMS with relapsing disease onset, we fitted ordered logistic regression models on satisfaction with FDC, with socio-demographic and FDC features as explanatory factors. Results 386 PwMS diagnosed after 1995 were included. Good satisfaction with the FDC was associated with a conversation more than 20 min [multivariable odds ratio, 95% confidence interval 3.9 ( 2.42; 6.27)], covering many topics [1.35 (1.19; 1.54) per additional topic], the presence of a significant others [1.74 (1.03; 2.94)], and shared decision making [3.39 (1.74; 6.59)]. Not receiving a specific diagnosis was main driver for low satisfaction [0.29 (0.15; 0.55)]. Main missing topics concerned long-term consequences (reported by 6.7%), psychological aspects (6.2%) and how to obtain support and further information (5.2%). Conclusions A conversation of more than 20 min covering many MS relevant topics, a clear communication of the diagnosis, the presence of a close relative or significant other, as well as shared decision making enhanced patient satisfaction with the FDC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02980640