CMSC 2022 | The role of patient-centered approaches in equitable MS care

In an interview at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) congress 2022 in Maryland, Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Joi Life Wellness Group, Smyrna, GA, comments on a symposium focused on multiple sclerosis (MS) care in minority communities, especially African American populations. This included assessing the prevalence of MS, the course of disease, and knowledge gaps. In recent data gathered via surveys across four MS centers and eight general neurology clinics, patients were asked to share their goals for their treatment, to delineate whether their thoughts aligned with those of their providers. Many similarities were found between the cohorts; however, providers focused more on side effects, while patients focused on quality of life and effectiveness of therapy. Dr Williams deems this alignment necessary for more effective shared treatment decision making. Additionally, with present data suggesting that the prevalence of MS in minority populations exceeds prior estimates, conjointly with worse outcomes, Dr Williams believes that this should come with a raised awareness and knowledge of social determinants of health and factors affecting access to care in minority populations.