Comparing telehealth and in-person care for Multiple Sclerosis
Virtual Versus Usual In-office Care for Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Trial (VIRTUAL-MS)
This study is testing if telehealth can be just as effective as in-person visits for helping adults with Multiple Sclerosis manage their condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Cleveland Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05660187 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The VIRTUAL-MS study evaluates the effectiveness of telehealth in managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) compared to traditional in-person care. Over 24 months, 120 adults diagnosed with MS will be randomly assigned to receive follow-up care either through telehealth or standard clinic visits. The study aims to assess clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of telehealth, while also identifying barriers and facilitators to its implementation. Participants will have initial and final in-person assessments, with regular follow-ups occurring every six months via their assigned method.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with MS within the last 24 months and have access to the necessary technology for virtual visits.
Not a fit: Patients with clinically relevant conditions that may hinder their participation or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance access to MS care and improve patient outcomes through telehealth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for telehealth in chronic disease management, suggesting potential success for this approach in MS care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages ≥18 2. MS diagnosis within 24 months of randomization by 2017 McDonald Criteria. 3. Confirmatory MRI within 12 months prior to randomization. 4. Access to either mobile device, laptop or PC with internet connection to be able to conduct virtual visits 5. Participant's neurologist and/or advanced practice provider are participating in the study Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically relevant condition that, in the opinion of the PI, could preclude participation in the study (e.g. neutropenia or wound care requiring frequent monitoring) 2. Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California and 1 other locations
- University of California San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marisa McGinley, DO — The Cleveland Clinic
- Study coordinator: Meredith Dever, MPH
- Email: deverm@ccf.org
- Phone: 216 444-5441
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.