The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59064

Thilo Kroll, PhD¹, Joerg Klewer, MD PhD², Phillip W. Beatty, MA¹, and Joachim Kugler². (1) National Rehabilitation Hospital Center for Health and Disability Research, 1016 16th Street, NW Suite 400, Washington, DC 21403, 202-466-1915, thilo.kroll@medstar.net, (2) Public Health, Dresden Medical School, IMIB-Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition that affects approximately 100,000 people in Germany and 300,000 in North America. In this paper, we will present preliminary findings from research conducted with American and German nationals with MS about their healthcare experience.

Methods. In the United States and Germany data were collected using structured mail surveys. In the US data were collected through national disability, community organizations and listservs as part of a national longitudinal study about the healthcare experience of people with physical disabilities. 161 people with MS (mean age=48.5 years; 72.7% women) participated. In Germany 701 individuals with MS (mean age=49 years; 74% women), members of the German MS Society completed the survey. Response rates exceeded 80%.

Results. All respondents experienced frequent symptoms of spasticity (US: 60%; Germany: 50%) and visual problems (US: 31%; Germany: 50%). Most respondents in both countries had health insurance. Fewer than one-third of the US respondents were covered by public programs (Medicare, Medicaid), 96% of the German participants had mandatory coverage. People in both countries mostly turn to neurologists for MS-related problems (US: 83.9%, Germany: 91.3%), followed by general practionners (US: 36%; Germany: 60.5%).

Conclusions. US and German study participants report similar experiences with healthcare services. Differences exist with regard to primary insurance coverage, and type of primary physician.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will recognize the value of transnational comparisons of health outcomes and healthcare experiences among people with MS.
• The presentation will create a better understanding of similarities and differences in the medical and rehabilitative care of people with MS in different healthcare systems
• In discussing the significance of such studies for the improvement of healthcare services, insurance coverage, and care delivery processes, the presentation will stimulate future multinational disability and health service research.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Quality of Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.