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BackgroundAs new treatment approaches become available for RRMS it is important to understand clinical treatment decision-making.MethodsWe used a structured questionnaire to interview UK healthcare professionals (HCPs) about their clinical treatment approaches for RRMS.ResultsOf 38 HCPs interviewed, 53% were multiple sclerosis (MS) Consultants, 34% MS specialist nurses, 11% neurologists with an MS interest (3% other). The most important treatment goals for newly diagnosed RRMS were modifying/reducing relapse, delaying progression to disability and maintaining quality of life, reported by 63% (24/38), 58% (22/38) and 50% (19/38) of respondents, respectively. 74% of respond- ents strongly agreed and 24% agreed early treatment is essential for better outcomes in most patients. The (mean [SD]; n=37) estimated percentage of patients treated with high efficacy early or escalation approaches were 42.1% (21.8) and 58.3% (20.8), respectively; 66% of respondents agreed these proportions reflected the treatment approach they would like to take. For those disagreeing (34%), the mean (SD) reported percentage of patients they would ideally treat with high efficacy and escalation approaches were 66.2% (18.0) and 33.8% (18.0), respectively.ConclusionsWhilst the majority of HCPs agreed that early treatment of RRMS is essential, there was vari- ability in reported and ideal treatment approaches.

BackgroundQuality standards (QS) for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are suboptimal, ambiguous and restricted to certain patient subgroups and care pathways.AimDevelop and pilot MS metrics measuring service provision quality to identify areas for improvement.MethodsA multidisciplinary Working Group developed clinician and patient-reported metrics and standardised data collection forms through an iterative process.ResultsMetrics covered: referral; diagnosis; treatment; annual review; general management; education. Pilot (n=76) showed: 31% of PwMS were referred to MS specialist within 4 weeks of suspected/confirmed demyelination; 28% and 56% had uncomplicated MS confirmed and were offered specialist MS nurse appointment, respectively, within 4 weeks of specialist referral; 75% of eligible PwMS were offered disease-modifying therapy within 8 weeks of confirmed MS diagnosis; 85% had comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) annual review; 90% had a defined point of contact within the MS service; 86% of unscheduled contacts by PwMS, MDT or general practitioners were responded to within 3 days; 53% of MS services maintained a single database of PwMS; and 76% of PwMS were offered ongoing education. Data collection continues and updated findings will be reported.DiscussionMS metrics/data forms are feasible for routine clinical settings, simple to interpret and provide a valuable benchmark for guiding MS service improvements.