Self care programs and multiple sclerosis: physical therapeutics treatment - literature review

No one really plans to have multiple sclerosis: Transition readiness and quality of life in paediatric multiple sclerosis

AIM

We sought to explore the experiences and perceptions of the quality of life of adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and assess their readiness for academic, employment and/or health care-related transitions.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis face unique challenges in managing a chronic illness while navigating future scholastic, social and occupational goals. We conducted a qualitative study with in-depth, semi-structured interviews from July 2017 to March 2019. Adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis were recruited from a pediatric neurology subspeciality practice until reaching data saturation. A total of 17 interviews were completed via telephone with participants ages 15 through 26.

RESULTS

Through content analysis of the interviews, we identified five major themes: (1) receiving a new diagnosis; (2) adapting to life with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis; (3) evaluating education/career transition preparedness; (4) adjusting within family life and establishing support systems; and (5) assessing current medical services and preparedness for adult medical care.

CONCLUSIONS

Autonomy in health care management, adequate control of physical symptoms and sufficient family support impacted perceptions of quality of life. Implementing a dedicated transition visit, including the parent(s) of those with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, early in adolescence may provide an avenue for appropriate anticipatory guidance regarding available services, independent medical management and continuity of care.

The impact of therapeutic education programs on the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol of a systematic review

The quality of life (QOL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to be poor compared to the general population. Its management is complex thus requiring openness to non-pharmacological approaches such as therapeutic education (TPE). However, there is an abundance of educational programs with several components and varying degrees of effectiveness. This protocol is developed with the objective to determine the impact of TPE programs on the QOL of MS patients. We will undergo research in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify all eligible articles published between January 1st, 2007, and February 2022 evaluating the QOL. We will include any quantitative study design: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, non-randomized uncontrolled trials, and observational studies. The quality of these studies will be assessed by recommended tools. Two investigators will independently perform the data extractions and any disagreements will be resolved by other reviewers. A narrative synthesis will report results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist guidelines to draw conclusions based on the totality of the evidence. These results will be summarized by characteristics of studies and programs and by effects on the QOL. This systematic review will provide practice guidance and evidence to effectively target the features and components of TPE programs, to effectively meet the specific needs of MS patients and thereby improve their QOL, and on the other hand to facilitate the appropriation of these programs by clinicians and researchers to optimize the management of MS. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022338651.

Information provision for people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted with a number of important uncertainties concerning many aspects of the disease. These include diagnosis, prognosis, disease course, disease-modifying therapies, symptomatic therapies, and non-pharmacological interventions, among others. While people with MS demand adequate information to be able to actively participate in medical decision making and to self manage their disease, it has been shown that patients' disease-related knowledge is poor, therefore guidelines recommend clear and concise high-quality information at all stages of the disease. Several studies have outlined communication and information deficits in the care of people with MS. However, only a few information and decision support programmes have been published.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of this updated review was to evaluate the effectiveness of information provision interventions for people with MS that aim to promote informed choice and improve patient-relevant outcomes, Further objectives were to evaluate the components and the developmental processes of the complex interventions used, to highlight the quantity and the certainty of the research evidence available, and to set an agenda for future research.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Group Specialised Register, which contains trials from CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library 2017, Issue 11), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, PEDro, and clinical trials registries (29 November 2017) as well as other sources. We also searched reference lists of identified articles and contacted trialists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-randomised controlled trials, and quasi-randomised trials comparing information provision for people with MS or suspected MS (intervention groups) with usual care or other types of information provision (control groups) were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance and methodological quality and extracted data. Critical appraisal of studies addressed the risk of selection bias, performance bias, attrition bias, and detection bias. We contacted authors of relevant studies for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified one new RCT (73 participants), which when added to the 10 previously included RCTs resulted in a total of 11 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria and were analysed (1387 participants overall; mean age, range: 31 to 51; percentage women, range: 63% to 100%; percentage relapsing-remitting MS course, range: 45% to 100%). The interventions addressed a variety of topics using different approaches for information provision in different settings. Topics included disease-modifying therapy, relapse management, self care strategies, fatigue management, family planning, and general health promotion. The active intervention components included decision aids, decision coaching, educational programmes, self care programmes, and personal interviews with physicians. All studies used one or more components, but the number and extent differed markedly between studies. The studies had a variable risk of bias. We did not perform meta-analyses due to marked clinical heterogeneity. All five studies assessing MS-related knowledge (505 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) detected significant differences between groups as a result of the interventions, indicating that information provision may successfully increase participants' knowledge. There were mixed results on decision making (five studies, 793 participants; low-certainty evidence) and quality of life (six studies, 671 participants; low-certainty evidence). No adverse events were detected in the seven studies reporting this outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Information provision for people with MS seems to increase disease-related knowledge, with less clear results on decision making and quality of life. The included studies in this review reported no negative side effects of providing disease-related information to people with MS. Interpretation of study results remains challenging due to the marked heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of an Exercise-Based Patient Education Programme in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Background. Although people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) benefit from physical exercise, they still show reduced physical activity and exercise behaviour. This study aimed to investigate short- and long-term effects of an exercise-based patient education programme (ePEP) that focuses on empowering pwMS to a sustainable and self-regulated exercise training management. Methods. Fourteen pwMS were randomly assigned to immediate experimental group (EG-I: n = 8) and waitlist-control group (EG-W: n = 6) and attended biweekly in a six-week ePEP. All participants were measured for walking ability, quality of life, fatigue, and self-efficacy towards physical exercise before and after the ePEP, after 12 weeks, and one year after baseline. Short-term effects were analysed in a randomised control trial and long-term effects of all ePEP participants (EG-I + EG-W = EG-all) in a quasi-experimental design. Results. Only functional gait significantly improved in EG-I compared to EG-W (p = 0.008, r = −0.67). Moderate to large effects were found in EG-all for walking ability. Not significant, however, relevant changes were detected for quality of life and fatigue. Self-efficacy showed no changes. Conclusion. The ePEP seems to be a feasible option to empower pwMS to a self-regulated and sustainable exercise training management shown in long-term walking improvements.

Clinical Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of an Education Program for PD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by its impact on quality of life, constituting a substantial economic burden on society. Education programs implicating patients more in the management of their illness and complementing medical treatment may be a beneficial adjunct in PD. This study assessed the impact of an education program on quality of life and its cost-effectiveness in PD patients.

Methods

This single-center, prospective, randomized study assessed an education program consisting of individual and group sessions over a 12-month period. A total of 120 PD patients were assigned to either the Treated by Behavioral Intervention group (TTBI) or the no TTBI group. The primary outcome criterion was quality of life assessed using PDQ39. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and psychological status were collected. An economic evaluation was performed, including calculations of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

After 12 months of follow-up, changes recorded in the PDQ39 between the groups were not significantly different but better changes were observed in each dimension in the TTBI group compared to the no TTBI group. UPDRS I, II and total score were significantly improved in TTBI group compared to the no TTBI group. Mean annual costs did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the education program positively impacts the perceived health of PD patients without increasing medical costs.

A pilot study of an exercise-based patient education program in people with multiple sclerosis

There is increasing evidence that physical exercise leads to numerous positive effects in PwMS. However, long-term effects of exercise may only be achievable if training is implemented in daily routine. Enabling patients to exercise regularly, we developed a patient education program focused on evidence-based information of training. PwMS were educated in neurophysiological effects of physical exercise, exercise-induced benefits for PwMS, and risk factors (e.g., weather). Fifteen PwMS were analyzed before (T 0) and after (T 1) a 12-week patient education. Afterwards, participants performed their exercises autonomously for 32 weeks and were tested in sustainability tests (T 2). Guided interviews were carried out, additionally. Significant improvements from T 0 to T 1 were found in 6MWT, gait velocity, TUG, fatigue, and quality of life. Significant results of TUG and gait velocity from T 1 to T 2 demonstrated that participants kept few effects after the 32-week training phase. Qualitative analyses showed improved self-confidence and identified training strategies and barriers. This pilot study provides evidence that PwMS are able to acquire good knowledge about physical exercise and apply this knowledge successfully in training management. One might conclude that this exercise-based patient education seems to be a feasible option to maintain or improve patients' integral constitution concerning physical and mental health.

Information provision for people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted with a number of important uncertainties concerning many aspects of the disease. Among others, these include diagnosis, prognosis, disease course, disease-modifying therapies, symptomatic therapies and non-pharmacological interventions. It has been shown that people with MS demand adequate information to be able to actively participate in medical decision making and to self-manage their disease. On the other hand, it has been found that patients' disease-related knowledge is poor. Therefore, guidelines have recommended clear and concise high-quality information at all stages of the disease. Several studies have outlined communication and information deficits in the care of people with MS and, accordingly, a number of information and decision support programmes have been published.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of information provision interventions for people with MS that aim to promote informed choice and improve patient-relevant outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Group Specialised Register which contains trials from CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 6), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, PEDro and clinical trials registries (12 June 2013) as well as other sources. In addition, we searched PsycINFO, trial registries, and reference lists of identified articles. We also contacted trialists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials comparing information provision for people with MS or suspected MS (intervention groups) with usual care or other types of information provision (control groups) were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the retrieved articles for relevance and methodological quality, and extracted data. Critical appraisal of studies addressed the risk of selection bias, performance bias, attrition bias and detection bias. We contacted authors of relevant studies for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten randomised controlled trials involving a total of 1314 participants met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. The interventions addressed a variety of topics using different approaches for information provision in different settings. Topics included disease-modifying therapy, relapse management, self-care strategies, fatigue management, family planning and general health promotion. The interventions contained decision aids, educational programmes, self-care interventions and personal interviews with physicians. All interventions were complex interventions using more than one active component, but the number and extent of the intervention components differed markedly between studies. The studies had a variable risk of bias. We did not perform meta-analyses due to marked clinical heterogeneity. All four studies assessing MS-related knowledge (524 participants; moderate-quality evidence) detected significant differences between groups as a result of the interventions indicating that information provision may successfully increase participants' knowledge. There were mixed results from four studies reporting effects on decision making (836 participants; low-quality evidence) and from five studies assessing quality of life (605 participants; low-quality evidence). There were no adverse events in the six studies reporting on adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Information provision for people with MS seems to increase disease-related knowledge, with less clear results on decision making and quality of life. There seem to be no negative side effects from informing patients about their disease. Interpretation of study results remains challenging due to the marked heterogeneity of the interventions and outcome measures.

Therapeutic education in cardiovascular diseases: state of the art and perspectives

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of therapeutic education programmes for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), as well as patients' expectations and education needs, tips to improve adherence to lifestyle modifications, and education materials.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review of the literature from 1966 to 2010 on Medline and the Cochrane Library databases using following key words: "counselling", "self-care", "self-management", "patient education" and "chronic heart failure", "CAD", "coronary heart disease", "myocardial infarction", "acute coronary syndrome". Clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, as well as literature reviews and practical guidelines, published in English and French were analysed.

RESULTS

Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is part of the non-pharmacological management of cardiovascular diseases, allowing patients to move from an acute event to the effective self-management of a chronic disease. Large studies clearly showed the efficacy of TPE programmes in changing cardiac patients' lifestyle. Favourable effects have been proved concerning morbidity and cost-effectiveness even though there is less evidence for mortality reduction. Numerous types of intervention have been studied, but there are no recommendations about standardized rules and methods to deliver information and education, or to evaluate the results of TPE. The main limit of TPE is the lack of results for adherence to long-term lifestyle modifications.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of TE in cardiovascular diseases could be improved by optimal collaboration between acute cardiac units and cardiac rehabilitation units. The use of standardized rules and methods to deliver information and education and to assess their effects could reinforce this collaboration. Networks for medical and paramedical TPE follow-up in tertiary prevention could be organized to improve long-term results.