Issue highlights

Williams et al. (p. 190) evaluated the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a brief, publicly available depression screening tool, in neurologic populations. The authors report that the PHQ-9 had an appropriate balance of sensitivity (90% confidence interval [CI] 81–97) and specificity (85% CI 79–90) for a screening tool. In an accompanying editorial, Ney and Satya-Murti (p. 186) discuss the high prevalence of psychiatric disease in the neurologic population along with the benefits and limitations of the PHQ-9 tool.

Tallantyre et al. (p. 265) provided guidance for clinicians on the rationale, methodology, and potential benefits of patient and public involvement (PPI) in clinical trials. The authors outline key features of successful public engagement in the increasingly global landscape of modern clinical trials. An editorial by Hinson et al. (p. 188) describes the commendable steps taken by Tallantyre et al. (p. 265) and introduces the need for diverse stakeholder engagement in PPI.

Witek et al. (p. 199) conducted a retrospective cohort analysis to assess feasibility of using video telemedicine to screen patients for deep brain stimulation. The authors describe how video telemedicine can improve access to subspecialty care and save patients' time and money. Macaron et al. (p. 222) assessed the implementation of the “Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test,” a technology-based self-administered data collection tool. Results showed the range, consistency, and standardization of available data for patient care, and research improved substantially and can promote data-driven patient care.

Whitney et al. (p. 206) explored the emerging evidence highlighting the excess burden of mental health disorders for adults with cerebral palsy. Analysis of administrative claims data from 2016 found that mood affective disorders were associated with pain, sleep disorders, and fatigue. Eksambe et al. (p. 214) identified the biggest barriers to early discharge in pediatric neurology as the need for imaging studies and delays in discharge paperwork. The authors reported that establishing protocols to improve team member communication was key and that discharge before noon improves patient outcomes.

Additional articles discuss rare conditions. Tisel et al. (p. 245) discussed findings from a case series of 25 patients with Mokri syndrome. Felling et al. (p. 232) found anticoagulation was widely used and associated with a reduction in severe neurologic disability and death in children with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.

We welcome your feedback on this issue and invite suggestions for making Neurology: Clinical Practice a valuable resource for you and your colleagues.

John R. Corboy, MD, FAAN

• © 2020 American Academy of Neurology