A newly-developed preference assessment tool successfully captured patients' goals, values, and preferences for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment and could potentially be used to help patients communicate their preferences to their clinician, according to a recent investigation. Patients with MS between the ages of 21 and 75 who had access to the Internet (n=135) were recruited. They completed the preference tool online, which included separate modules assessing 3 core preference areas: treatment goals, preferences for attributes of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and factors influencing a change in treatment. Immediately after viewing a summary of their treatment goals and preferences, participants were asked to evaluate the tool. Rankings of preference domains were compared to rankings obtained in another study. Investigators found:

• The highest ranked goals were brain health (memory, thinking, and brain), followed by disability concerns (walking, strength, vision).
• Rankings were highly similar to those in the referent study.
• Nearly all participants reported that the tool helped them understand their goals and priorities regarding MS and that the summary appropriately reflected what is important to them.
• Most (87%) expressed a desire to discuss their treatment goals and priorities with their clinician.