{
  "abstract": "Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be a lengthy process resulting in psychological distress and treatment delays. The revised McDonald’s criteria incorporate the central vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesions, new radiological signs that could improve the diagnostic pathway.Aims Investigate the experiences of people with MS (pwMS) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the current diagnostic process.Identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing the revised diagnostic criteria.Methods Qualitative study of 19 semi-structured interviews with 10 HCPs and 9 pwMS were analysed using the framework method, adopting the normalisation process theory and an intervention logic model.Results Interviews with pwMS revealed four themes: pathway experience, referrals, communication, and potential improvements. All pwMS preferred MRI over LPs and highlighted the importance of information provision to reduce distress. Interviews with HCPs identified five themes: pathway description, barriers, improvements, benefits, and future concerns. HCPs emphasized new biomarkers could enhance consultation efficiency and reduce diagnostic delays but called for HCP training in interpretation and use.Conclusion This study explored the challenges and facilitators for implementing a faster and more accurate diagnosis of MS. The results could guide future research on using the diagnostic guidelines in both specialist and district general hospital settings.*CC&TP are joint first-authors mzycc22@nottingham.ac.uk",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham"
      ],
      "name": "Chieng Shiao Shuen Chloe"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Paskin Thomas"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham",
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Gilmartin Christopher"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham"
      ],
      "name": "De Dios Pérez Blanca"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham"
      ],
      "name": "Clarke Margareta"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham"
      ],
      "name": "Taylor Lauren"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham",
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Garjani Afagh"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham"
      ],
      "name": "Morgan Paul"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham",
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Dineen Robert"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University of Nottingham",
        "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Evangelou Nikos"
    }
  ],
  "title": "125 New diagnostic criteria for ms: identifying barriers to implementation – insights from stakeholder interviews",
  "uid": "133db954-6eb7-522f-8801-9330cd33a86a"
}