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Carberry S, MacConaill S, Fortune DG. Couples' experiences of coping with Multiple Sclerosis: a qualitative systematic review and metasynthesis. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38859675 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2361804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review sought to synthesise the qualitative literature exploring couples' experiences of dyadic coping, when one partner has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHODS The review protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus) were searched for relevant papers from inception to January 2024. Seven hundred and ninety three papers were screened against pre-defined inclusion criteria. Data from 11 studies (n = 204) were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and included in the metasynthesis. RESULTS The synthesis resulted in four themes related to couples' experiences of coping with MS: dance of accommodation, a sense of unity, outside of us and evolving as a unit. Communication attunement was perceived as key for couples to maintain cohesion in the relationship. Developing a shared narrative around MS helped couples to align their perspectives and co-ordinate their coping. The findings suggest that many couples coped by consciously maintaining a focus in the present. The wider system of social supports also appeared to frame the couples unique dyadic coping process in specific ways. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this synthesis provide support for the conceptualisation of MS as a shared experience to support couples' rehabilitation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Carberry
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Susan MacConaill
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Donal G Fortune
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Service Executive, CHO 3, Mid West Region, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Tolf A, Gauffin H, Burman J, Landtblom AM, Flensner G. Experiences of being treated with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive multiple sclerosis: A qualitative interview study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297573. [PMID: 38324607 PMCID: PMC10849216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is increasingly used as a treatment for aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and has the potential to induce long-term remission and resolution of disease activity. Despite the extensive research on treatment outcome after AHSCT, the experience of living with MS after AHSCT has not been previously described in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to explore long-term lived experience of people with MS treated with AHSCT. METHODS AND FINDINGS To exclude selection bias, all persons treated with AHSCT for MS at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, between 2004 and 2007 (n = 10), were asked to participate in the study, and all accepted. Open-ended interviews were conducted, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then subjected to qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Five main themes emerged from the interviews: (I) being diagnosed with MS-an unpredictable existence; (II) a new treatment-a possibility for a new life; (III) AHSCT-a transition; (IV) reclaiming life; and (V) a bright future accompanied by insecurity. AHSCT was described by the participants in terms of a second chance and an opportunity for a new life. The treatment became a transition from a state of illness to a state of health, enabling a previous profound uncertainty to wane and normality to be restored. Although participants of different age and sex were included, the main limitation of this study is the relatively small number of participants. Also, the inclusion of persons from one centre alone could restrict transferability of the results. CONCLUSIONS The results give a first insight into lived experience following a highly effective induction treatment for MS, and the experience of not having MS anymore. Underpinned by previously described outcome following AHSCT, the results of this study challenge the current view on MS as a chronic disease with no possible cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Tolf
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Gauffin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Linköping University Hospital, Region Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Landtblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gullvi Flensner
- Department of Caring Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
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Persson S, Andersson AC, Gäre BA, Lindenfalk B, Lind J. Lived experience of persons with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative interview study. Brain Behav 2023:e3104. [PMID: 37246453 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a substantial impact on quality of life and functional capability. The prognosis of MS has changed over time due to the development of increasingly effective therapies. As the knowledge and perceptions of persons living with chronic conditions increasingly have been acknowledged, it has become important to understand lived experiences with a focus on everyday events and experiences as a way of knowing and interpreting the world. Exploring context-specific lived experiences as a source of knowledge about the disease and care may contribute to more precision in designing care services. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of persons living with MS in a Swedish context. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative interview study was conducted with both purposeful and random sampling strategies, resulting in 10 interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis. RESULTS The analysis generated 4 overarching themes with 12 subthemes, the 4 themes were: perspectives on life and health, influence on everyday life, relations with healthcare, and shared healthcare processes. The themes are concerned with the patients' own perspectives and context as well as medical and healthcare-related perspectives. Patterns of shared experiences were found, for example, in the diagnosis confirmation, future perspectives, and planning and coordination. More diverse experiences appeared concerning relations with others, one's individual requirements, symptoms and consequences, and knowledge building. CONCLUSION The findings suggest a need for a more diverse and coproduced development of healthcare services to meet diverse needs in the population with greater acknowledgement of the person's lived experience, including consideration of the complexity of the disease, personal integrity, and different ways of knowing. Findings from this study will be further explored together with other quantitative and qualitative data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Persson
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Futurum Academy for Health and Care, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christine Andersson
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Care Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Boel Andersson Gäre
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Futurum Academy for Health and Care, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Bertil Lindenfalk
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Jonas Lind
- Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
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Topcu G, Mhizha-Murira JR, Griffiths H, Bale C, Drummond A, Fitzsimmons D, Potter KJ, Evangelou N, das Nair R. Experiences of receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:772-783. [PMID: 35254195 PMCID: PMC9928430 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2046187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in receiving a diagnosis, to derive a conceptual understanding of adjustment to MS diagnosis. METHODS Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies that explored views and experiences around MS diagnosis. Papers were quality-appraised using a standardised checklist. Data synthesis was guided by principles of meta-ethnography, a well-established interpretive method for synthesising qualitative evidence. RESULTS Thirty-seven papers were selected (with 874 people with MS). Synthesis demonstrated that around the point of MS diagnosis people experienced considerable emotional upheaval (e.g., shock, denial, anger, fear) and difficulties (e.g., lengthy diagnosis process) that limited their ability to make sense of their diagnosis, leading to adjustment difficulties. However, support resources (e.g., support from clinicians) and adaptive coping strategies (e.g., acceptance) facilitated the adjustment process. Additionally, several unmet emotional and informational support needs (e.g., need for personalised information and tailored emotional support) were identified that, if addressed, could improve adjustment to diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Our synthesis highlights the need for providing person-centred support and advice at the time of diagnosis and presents a conceptual map of adjustment for designing interventions to improve adjustment following MS diagnosis.Implications for RehabilitationThe period surrounding Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis can be stressful and psychologically demanding.Challenges and disruptions at diagnosis can threaten sense of self, resulting in negative emotions.Adaptive coping skills and support resources could contribute to better adjustment following diagnosis.Support interventions should be tailored to the needs of newly diagnosed people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gogem Topcu
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- CONTACT Gogem Topcu Institute of Mental Health, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, B Floor, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | | | - Holly Griffiths
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Clare Bale
- Multiple Sclerosis Patient and Public Involvement Group, Nottingham, UK
| | - Avril Drummond
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Deborah Fitzsimmons
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Kristy-Jane Potter
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nikos Evangelou
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Roshan das Nair
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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The Lived Experience of Caregiving and Perception of Service Provision among Family-Caregivers of People with Late-Stage Parkinson's: A Qualitative Study. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 2023:4483517. [PMID: 36776984 PMCID: PMC9918353 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4483517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The complex nature of late-stage Parkinson's requires multiagency support and leads to an increased burden on family members who assume a multiplicity of responsibilities. The aim of this study is to further understand the lived experiences of family-caregivers and their perception of, and satisfaction with, service provision. Methods This qualitative substudy was a part of the European multicentre Care of Late-Stage Parkinsonism (CLaSP) project. Purposive sampling resulted in a sample of eleven family-caregivers of people with late-stage Parkinson's, who were interviewed using semistructured open-ended questions. Thematic analysis followed. Findings. Three overarching themes were developed from the data: ensuring continuous support is vital to providing care at home, perceiving unmet service provision needs, and advocating and co-ordinating all aspects of care take their toll. These themes include not only experience of services that caregivers find supportive in order to deliver care but also of disjointed care between multiple agencies, a perceived lack of Parkinson's expertise, and there was a lack of anticipatory future planning. The constancy and scope of the family-caregiver role is described, including the need to project manage multiple aspects of care with multiple agencies, to be an advocate, and to assume new roles such as managing finances. Multiple losses were reported, which in part was mitigated by gaining expertise through information and support from professionals and organised and informal support. Conclusion The intricacies and consequences of the family-caregivers' role and their experience of service provision indicate the need to acknowledge and consider their role and needs, fully involve them in consultations and provide information and joined-up support to improve their well-being, and ensure their continuous significant contribution to the ongoing care of the person with Parkinson's.
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Mehraban S, Bahmani B, Boukani SA, Toosi M, Karami M, Carnero Contentti E. Patients experiences when receiving diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: A qualitative systematic review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 69:104473. [PMID: 36549103 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease in which the myelin lining the central nervous system is damaged. The complex and unpredictable nature of MS disease makes the diagnosis process more difficult for the patient. The aim of this study was to review the lived experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis when receiving the diagnosis. METHODS We followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement. A systematic search was performed using four databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and psych info on April 2022. RESULTS We found 537 articles. After Applying relevant exclusion criteria removing duplicate and irrelevant articles, 13 studies were included in our systematic review after the abstract and full-text screening. Our findings collected data from 10 sub-themes in the following 3 themes to capture patients' experiences after receiving the diagnosis. These included: Emotional reactions to receiving the diagnosis; Communication with health professionals and knowledge about MS and Fear of being different. CONCLUSION It is important to understand patients' experiences with the disease and identifying problems to help and support families, patients, and health care personnel's. Therefore, it is necessary to design or implement therapeutic interventions for patients at the time of receiving the diagnosis to reduce psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafigh Mehraban
- Department of Counselling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Bahmani
- Department of Counselling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soliman Ahmad Boukani
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Maryam Toosi
- Department of Psychology, Buinzahra Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mina Karami
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Hughes O, Hunter R. Understanding the experiences of anger in the onset and progression of psoriasis: A thematic analysis. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2022; 2:e111. [PMID: 36479265 PMCID: PMC9720208 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which can be affected by stress. Living with psoriasis can trigger negative emotions, which may influence quality of life. The present study explored the lived experiences of people with psoriasis with attention to the potential role of anger in the onset and progression of the chronic skin condition. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 participants (n = 5 females, n = 7 males) recruited from an advert on a patient charity social media platform. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: (1) anger at the self and others, (2) the impact of anger on psoriasis: angry skin, (3) shared experiences of distress and (4) moving past anger to affirmation. Findings suggest that anger can have a perceived impact on psoriasis through contributing to sensory symptoms and unhelpful coping cycles, and points to a need for enhanced treatment with more psychological support. The findings also highlight the continued stigma which exists for those living with visible skin conditions and how this may sustain anger for those individuals. Future research could usefully focus on developing targeted psychosocial interventions to promote healthy emotional coping.
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Lee B, Chan F. The Development and Psychometric Validation of the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis. REHABILITATION COUNSELING BULLETIN 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00343552221087173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disability-related stress is the unique stressful experiences and challenges people with disabilities encounter. The goal of the study was to develop and validate the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale ( BDRSS) in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Findings demonstrated that the BDRSS is unidimensional and has good psychometric properties (internal consistency reliability coefficient [Cronbach’s α = .86]). The BDRSS was also found to correlate with the Perceived Stress Scale–10 ( PSS-10; r = .69). Results of this study suggested the potential clinical utility of incorporating the BDRSS in rehabilitation, mental health, and neuropsychology settings to assess stressors experienced by people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fong Chan
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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Hughes O, Hunter R. The Importance of Exploring the Role of Anger in People With Psoriasis. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2022; 5:e33920. [PMID: 37632869 PMCID: PMC10334900 DOI: 10.2196/33920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hughes
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Hunter
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Demirtepe-Saygılı D. Multiple sclerosis experiences of couples: Examination of patient and partner perspectives. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:2079-2090. [PMID: 34111986 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211017192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aims to investigate Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experiences of couples. Using a dyadic qualitative method, separate simultaneous interviews were conducted with 20 couples, including one partner with MS. The themes resulting from content analysis were examined in two categories: Convergent (anxiety about future, acceptance of MS and MS as an accelerator of the relationship) and divergent (sexual problems, the experience of MS symptoms, the priority of the problems and untold issues). The findings revealed shared and unique perspectives of partners in the illness process, having the potential to guide the psychosocial interventions for couples living with a chronic illness.
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