44.: Tablet-based Data capture in Multiple Sclerosis (TaDiMuS)

We aimed to design a practical tool to collect validated, quantitative clinical data in an outpatient setting using tablet-based technology. A custom designed browser-based cross-platform software tool (Tablet-based Data capture in Multiple Sclerosis; TaDiMuS) was formulated to capture previously validated multiple sclerosis (MS) patient-reported outcomes (PRO) including quality of life, mood, cognitive, sleep and disability data. The tool was designed to provide a highly flexible and practical mechanism for semi-automated “waiting room data collection” for clinical and clinical trial purposes. Tight integration with an existing electronic medical record, and development of a secure server environment for the retention of raw data, was planned. TaDiMuS has been integrated into the MS Clinic at the Brain and Mind Research Institute and includes the following validated tools: MS Quality of Life Inventory, Short Form-36, MS Quality of Life 54, MS Neuropsychology Questionnaire, Neurological Rating Scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and MS Impact Scale-29. A simple user interface provides the capacity to add more tests. More than 50 patients have successfully completed selected tests from the suite of tools available in TaDiMuS. An internal secure wireless network is used to transfer data on-the-fly to the existing electronic medical record (Genie Solutions, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia), and the results of questionnaires are made immediately available to the clinician in the form of a PDF document prior to the consultation. The use of tablet based technology in the waiting room is a highly feasible and practical method of capturing patient-reported outcomes in MS. TaDiMuS instantly provides the clinician with a broad suite of information at the time of consultation, potentially enhancing workflow efficiency and optimising the early detection and treatment of under-recognised MS complications, such as cognitive dysfunction or sphincter disturbance. The prospective collection of standardised PRO in the clinical setting will facilitate the inclusion of this data in future phenotyping studies that patients may elect to participate in. Prospective MS clinical trials that incorporate TaDiMuS are planned.