A consensus initiative for the assessment of patients newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Spain: the eXamina Project

Abstract

Aim: To create a national consensus checklist to assess newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients when considering treatment initiation in Spain. Materials & methods: The Delphi consensus method was used. A scientific committee drafted items/domains, 52 experts evaluated their inclusion in the project checklist and 47 experts assessed checklist use in clinical practice. Results: Forty-eight items from seven dimensions were selected: sociodemographics, n = 3; medical history, n = 10; multiple sclerosis clinical factors, n = 14; laboratory/MRI, n = 8; multiple sclerosis signs affecting treatment, n = 4; multiple sclerosis signs affecting management, n = 1; treatment-related features, n = 8. Understanding, acceptance, ease of use, effectiveness and suitability of checklist use were favorably rated by ≥75.5% of experts. Conclusion: This project provides a consensus checklist gathering necessary information when considering multiple sclerosis treatment in newly diagnosed patients.