Monitoring Study of the Multiple Sclerosis Risk Sharing Scheme
Author Information
Author(s): Mark Pickin, Cindy L Cooper, Timothy Chater, Anthony O'Hagan, Keith R Abrams, Nicola J Cooper, Mike Boggild, Jackie Palace, George Ebers, James B Chilcott, Paul Tappenden, Jon Nicholl
Primary Institution: University of Sheffield
Hypothesis
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of risk sharing schemes for high cost treatments in multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion
The study suggests that risk sharing schemes can successfully meet their objectives, although challenges remain.
Supporting Evidence
- The study recruited 5560 patients from 71 centres, with 4871 included in the analysis.
- Annual review data were available for 3730 patients after one year, indicating high follow-up rates.
- The mean EDSS score increased slightly over time, suggesting disease progression.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well a special program for treating multiple sclerosis works, and found it can help patients while also being careful with money.
Methodology
A long-term prospective cohort study of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis patients across 71 UK NHS centres.
Potential Biases
Potential conflicts of interest due to involvement of pharmaceutical companies in the risk sharing scheme.
Limitations
The study lacks a control group and relies on observational data, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 74.9% women, with a mean age of 39.3 years and 85.8% having relapsing remitting MS.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.014
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.51, 0.66
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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