MS Self[TM]: An Educational Mobile Application for Recording Multiple Sclerosis-Related Experiences and Symptoms

Background: MS self™ is a FitBit-enabled multicomponent educational multiple sclerosis (MS) mobile application (App), launched in November 2013 that contains >50 Fact Cards with searchable topics. Users can complete the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), and record multiple events pertaining to MS-related symptoms, mobility impairment, and activities of daily living (ADL). Scheduled reminders can also be set to remind users to complete an MSWS-12, or produce a status report prior to an appointment with a healthcare provider (HCP). The current software version is 3.0.2.

Objectives: To provide MS disease data reported by the App over the period January 1 to November 30, 2017.

Methods: In this analysis, de-identified and aggregated data from the App for MS-related symptoms, mobility impairment, and ADLs were tracked using Google Analytics. In addition, de-identified non-aggregated data from users who registered was also used. Users entered data about their disease type and other characteristics, and used a journal to record symptoms, mood, energy level, mobility, activity, and comments over time. Users could also complete the MSWS-12.

Results: During the analysis period, there were 7,760 unique users with 116,982 sessions. A subset of those users (2,120) provided non-aggregated demographic data. Approximately 70% (1,493/2,120) of those users reported their age, with the largest age group being 26-45 (58%). The MSWS-12 was started by 264 users with 195 (74%) completing all 12 questions at least one time. Of those users who fully completed an MSWS-12, 59% (116/195) reported if they have MS with 66% (77/116) reporting their diagnosed type of MS. 56% (43/77) completed two or more full MSWS-12 surveys and reported the type of MS they were diagnosed with. An additional 44% (34/77) completed one MSWS-12 survey. Sixty percent of those who completed the MSWS-12 scored in the range of 12-30, while the remaining 40% scored in the range of 31-60.

Conclusions: The captured data suggests that the App is a useful aid to record MS-related experiences and symptoms that could be helpful for improving communication between patients and HCPs. Further analysis on the potential relationship between the MSWS-12 scores and demographics could provide insight into utilization of the App by people with MS.

Funding: Acorda Therapeutics, Inc