Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong neurological disorder requiring care in a variety of settings. The purpose of this study is to describe preferences of general practitioners (GPs) with regards to providing care for MS patients.
Methods: A stratified sample of 900 GPs in the province of Quebec were sent a questionnaire, with 266 returning completed questionnaires. Respondents were surveyed about their preferences using four clinical scenarios describing hypothetical patients experiencing different stages of MS. Respondents were asked whether they would continue managing the patient themselves, formally refer the patient to a specialist, or seek specialist advice.
Results: In two scenarios representing stable courses, 40.9% and 61.6% of GPs, respectively, intended to manage the patient themselves. GPs who reported having experience with MS patients were more likely to report an intention to continue management. In one scenario, GPs operating in rural areas were less likely to consider management than those in the Montreal metropolitan area (odds ratio=0.422, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.90).
Conclusions: For MS patients with a stable disease course, an important proportion of GPs appear to be willing to manage long-term care for MS patients.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; general practitioner; physicians; postal questionnaire.