Remote collection of sensor-based movement data and symptoms eliminates visits to the clinic. 

To gain a better understanding the challenges people with multiple sclerosis (MS) face on a daily basis Novartis released the launch of an innovative remote, mobile research study that collects patient data from their smart phones without having to go to the clinic or require a visit by a clinician. The study, “Evaluation of Evidence from Smart Phone Sensors and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Participants with Multiple Sclerosis (elevateMS),” was designed to collect sensor-based data from physical tasks and movements as they go about their daily routines and uncover a new way to understand the effectiveness of potential treatments.

According to Novartis, the elevateMS study was developed with an application developed by Sage Bionetworks on Apple’s ResearchKit® platform. The smart phone research application connects participants and allows them to contribute to research in real-time, regardless of where they are. The mobile app, said Novartis, was designed with input from neurologists, advocates and most importantly patients.

Patients were asked for input on what the study should measure, the app’s user interface, as well as how the app should track patient activity and disease symptoms. "As physicians, we always want to know how our patients with MS are doing on the treatments we prescribe," said Stanley Cohan Medical Director, Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center, Portland, Oregon. "With the elevateMS app, study participants can frequently document their symptoms in a personal health story. In turn, this data may provide researchers with new ways to look at disease progression and treatment effectiveness," added Dr. Cohan, who serves as a scientific advisor to the study.

Through the iPhone interface the application will capture participant’s responses to questionnaires, functional performance tasks as well as delivering real-time movement data through passive and active sensing. Participants will also be able to how their data has changed over time. Novartis said the elevateMS study is open to U.S. participants with or without MS, that demonstrate mandatory informed consent and who can download the application from the Apple App Store.