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Bardon C, Rioux MÉ, Rivard M, Viquez Porras FM, Zaky J. Connect-ROD - development and qualitative evaluation of a community-based group intervention to support well-being in patients with a rare or orphan disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:254. [PMID: 38965557 PMCID: PMC11225341 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients living with various rare or orphan diseases (ROD) experience common psychosocial difficulties. Those need emerge from a combination of factors, such as the large variety of patients and the rarity of resources, as well as concentrated efforts on physical health needs that yielded increases in life expectancy and quality in patients. A gap is therefore rising in the consideration of psychosocial needs of patients, such as coping with the impacts of physical limitations, reducing social isolation and distress. To contribute to address this gap, we developed, pilot-tested and evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, implementation, and short-term effects of Connect-ROD, an online group intervention to support adult patients with a ROD (AP-ROD), which aims to improve coping mechanisms, reinforce sense of control, and support personal goals of AP-ROD. A qualitative study comprising of in-depth pretests, post-test interviews and standardized questionnaires, was conducted with 14 participants in two consecutive intervention groups. RESULTS The Connect-ROD intervention is strongly anchored in acceptance and commitment therapy as well as community psychology approaches. A pilot test allowed us to improve on the initial structure and to produce a manualized 10-week program delivered online, made up of 2-h sessions comprising formal activities, exchanges and homework. The evaluation showed satisfactory acceptability and accessibility, compliant delivery by facilitators, and promising short-term effects on personal objectives, sense of control, coping mechanisms, symptom management, acceptance of the emotions associated with the disease, distress, self-efficacy, social support and connectedness. The program did not show short-term effects on overall quality of life. CONCLUSION It is recommended that Connect-ROD is evaluated on a larger scale. It seems promising to support various AP-ROD who live with the complex psychosocial consequences of their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bardon
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec À Montréal (UQAM), 100 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Éve Rioux
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec À Montréal (UQAM), 100 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P2, Canada
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec À Montréal (UQAM), 100 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P2, Canada
| | - Floryana-Maria Viquez Porras
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec À Montréal (UQAM), 100 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P2, Canada
| | - Julie Zaky
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec À Montréal (UQAM), 100 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P2, Canada
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Üstündağ S, Yeşilbalkan ÖU, Kabay SC. The effect of a mobile education application (MobilMS) developed for multiple sclerosis patients in Turkey on symptom management and quality of life: A randomized controlled study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 81:105342. [PMID: 38091808 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and is caused by immune dysfunction. MS results in a variety of symptoms that affect physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. Effective symptom management is a critical factor in improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with MS. PURPOSE To determine the effects of a comprehensive mobile education application developed for Turkish patients with MS on symptom management and QoL. METHODS The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial and included 63 patients with MS older than 18 years who had an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤6 and were actively using smart phones (intervention group, n = 31; control group, n = 32). Data were collected using a patient information form, the Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptom (MS-RS) checklist, the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale (MSQoL-54), and the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (MS-TAQ). The scales were administered three times: at baseline, first month, and third month. Patients with MS in the intervention group were followed up for three months using MobilMS. RESULTS In the intervention group, the mean rating of MobilMS was 8.74±1.29. Most patients indicated that MobilMS was an "informative and useful application". None of the patients in the study reported any side effects or difficulties when using MobilMS application. The mean MSQL-54 score of the intervention group was significantly higher compared to that of the control group at the first and third months (p = 0.001). The mean scores on the MS-RS checklist (p = 0.985), MS-TAQ subscale, Disease modifying therapies (DMT) barriers (p = 0.237), DMT side effects (p = 0.994), DMT coping strategies (p = 0.469), and Missing Doze Rate (MDR) (p = 0.765) were lower in the intervention group than in the control group, but these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed that MobilMS was highly appreciated, accepted, and used by patients with MS. MobilMS has the potential to meet the requirements for a free and accessible symptom management tool for patients with MS. The innovative MobilMS-based education intervention for support and symptom management is recommended as part of supportive care for this patient population. It is hoped that this study will pave the way for future studies on the utility of mobile applications for symptom management in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Üstündağ
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Kütahya, Turkey.
| | | | - Sibel Canbaz Kabay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
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Hoving M, Jongen PJ, Evers SMAA, Edens MA, Zeinstra EMPE. MSmonitor-plus program and video calling care (MPVC) for multidisciplinary care and self-management in multiple sclerosis: study protocol of a single-center randomized, parallel-group, open label, non-inferiority trial. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:423. [PMID: 36371162 PMCID: PMC9652934 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We designed a new multi-modal version of the MSmonitor, called the MSmonitor-Plus and Video calling Care (MPVC), a self-management and education program with e-health interventions that combines frequent use of specific questionnaires with video calling in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of MPVC compared to care as usual (CAU), with the goal of achieving equal or better quality of life for MS patients and their partners/informal caregivers. Our hypothesis is that by using MPVC, monitoring will become more efficient, that patients' self-efficacy, quality of life, and adherence to treatment will improve, and that they will be able to live their lives more autonomously. METHODS A randomized, parallel-group, open label, non-inferiority trial will be conducted to compare MPVC with CAU in MS patients and their partners/informal caregivers. A total of 208 patients will be included with follow-up measurements for 2 years (at baseline and every 3 months). One hundred four patients will be randomized to MPVC and 104 patients to CAU. Partners/informal caregivers of both groups will be asked to participate. The study will consist of three parts: 1) a clinical effectiveness study, 2) an economic evaluation, and 3) a process evaluation. The primary outcome relates to equal or improved disease-specific physical and mental quality of life of the MS patients. Secondary outcomes relate to self-efficacy, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, autonomy, satisfaction with the care provided, and quality of life of partners/informal caregivers. DISCUSSION The idea behind using MPVC is that MS patients will gain more insight into the individual course of the disease and get a better grip on their symptoms. This knowledge should increase their autonomy, give patients more control of their condition and enable them to better and proactively interact with health care professionals. As the consulting process becomes more efficient with the use of MPVC, MS-related problems could be detected earlier, enabling earlier multidisciplinary care, treatment or modification of the treatment. This could have a positive effect on the quality of life for both the MS patient and his/her partner/informal caregiver, reducing health and social costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05242731 Clinical Trials.gov. Date of registration: 16 February 2022 retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hoving
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands.
- Department of Health Services Research (HRS), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - P J Jongen
- MS4 Research Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S M A A Evers
- Department of Health Services Research (HRS), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Centre of Economic Evaluation & Machine Learning, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M A Edens
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Innovation and Science, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - E M P E Zeinstra
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands
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Bardon C, Guillemette A, Rioux ME, Rivard M. Group intervention programs and their impact on well-being and quality-of-life for adults living with a rare or orphan disease - realist review of literature. Disabil Rehabil 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35979809 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2104943] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adults living with a rare or orphan diseases (ROD) experience common psychosocial difficulties that are often poorly addressed in usual care. This realist literature review aims to inform the development, evaluation and implementation of evidence based group therapy programs adapted to shared needs of patients living with various ROD. METHOD The review is based on an analysis of Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations. It included 21 primary studies published between 2010 and April 2022 and used a PRISMA process for study selection and inclusion. RESULTS Our results show that group psychosocial interventions can help reduce perception of symptoms and psychological impacts of disease, improve social functioning and support and quality of life in patients. CONCLUSION Group therapy programs seem promising for ROD-patients and should be considered within comprehensive treatment and support plans. However, more comprehensive studies of group therapies in context should aim to identify core active components of these interventions with ROD-patients. Implications for Rehabilitation:Rare or Orphan Diseases are varied, difficult to diagnose and have a major impact on all aspects of the patients' lives (physical, emotional, psychological, social, professional).Psychosocial support is a key but underdeveloped component to support the recovery trajectory for these patients.In this review of group interventions, we identified a few promising practices adaptable to patients living with Rare or Orphan Diseases (Acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapies, psychoeducational programs).Patients who received psychosocial group interventions are likely to experience improvement in their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bardon
- Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Rioux
- Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Thomas S, Pulman A, Dogan H, Jiang N, Passmore D, Pretty K, Fairbanks B, Davies Smith A, Thomas PW. Creating a Digital Toolkit to Reduce Fatigue and Promote Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: Participatory Design and Usability Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e19230. [PMID: 34889744 PMCID: PMC8704114 DOI: 10.2196/19230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), experienced by more than 80% of people with MS. FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive Behavioral and Energy Effectiveness Techniques to Lifestyle) is an evidence-based, face-to-face, 6-session group fatigue management program for people with MS. Homework tasks are an integral part of FACETS and are currently undertaken in a paper-based form. Feedback from a consultation undertaken with FACETS attendees and health care professionals with experience in delivering the FACETS program suggested that being able to complete the homework tasks digitally would be desirable, potentially enhancing engagement and adherence and enabling on-the-go access to fit into busy lifestyles. Relative to other long-term conditions, there are few apps specifically for MS and, of those available, many have been developed with little or no input from people with MS. Objective The purpose of this mixed methods study was to create a digital toolkit comprising the homework tasks (eg, activity diary, goal planner, thought diary) of the FACETS program for people with MS, considering end users’ unique requirements throughout the design, build, prototyping, and testing stages. Methods Phase 1 involved the elicitation of detailed user requirements for the toolkit via 2 focus groups with previous attendees of FACETS (n=3 and n=6) and wireframing. Phase 2 involved supervised usability testing with people with MS (n=11) with iterative prototyping. The usability sessions involved going through test scenarios using the FACETS toolkit on an Android test phone with video capture and concurrent think-aloud followed by completion of the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a semistructured interview collecting feedback about design, content, and functionality. Results The mean SUS score for the digital toolkit was 74.3 (SD 16.8, 95% CI 63.2-85.6; range 37.5-95), which equates to an adjective rating of good and a B grade (70th-79th percentile range) on the Sauro-Lewis curved grading scale. A number of usability and design issues (such as simplifying overall screen flow to better meet users’ needs) and suggestions for improvements (such as using location-based services and displaying personalized information and progress via a central dashboard) were addressed and implemented during the usability testing cycle. Conclusions This work highlights the importance of the participation of people with MS across the entire development cycle, working to a human-centered design methodology to enable a considered and MS-centered solution to be developed. Continued horizon scanning for emergent technological enhancements will enable us to identify opportunities for further improvements to the FACETS toolkit prior to launch. The toolkit supports self-monitoring and management of fatigue and has potential applicability to other long-term conditions where fatigue is a significant issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Thomas
- Bournemouth University Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Pulman
- Bournemouth University Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Huseyin Dogan
- Department of Computing & Informatics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Computing & Informatics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - David Passmore
- Department of Computing & Informatics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Pretty
- Department of Computing & Informatics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Fairbanks
- Department of Computing & Informatics, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Davies Smith
- Bristol & Avon Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol National Health Service Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W Thomas
- Bournemouth University Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
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Pratap A, Grant D, Vegesna A, Tummalacherla M, Cohan S, Deshpande C, Mangravite L, Omberg L. Evaluating the Utility of Smartphone-Based Sensor Assessments in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis in the Real-World Using an App (elevateMS): Observational, Prospective Pilot Digital Health Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e22108. [PMID: 33107827 PMCID: PMC7655470 DOI: 10.2196/22108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. Current monitoring practices predominantly rely on brief and infrequent assessments, which may not be representative of the real-world patient experience. Smartphone technology provides an opportunity to assess people’s daily-lived experience of MS on a frequent, regular basis outside of episodic clinical evaluations. Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and utility of capturing real-world MS-related health data remotely using a smartphone app, “elevateMS,” to investigate the associations between self-reported MS severity and sensor-based active functional tests measurements, and the impact of local weather conditions on disease burden. Methods This was a 12-week, observational, digital health study involving 3 cohorts: self-referred participants who reported an MS diagnosis, clinic-referred participants with neurologist-confirmed MS, and participants without MS (controls). Participants downloaded the elevateMS app and completed baseline assessments, including self-reported physical ability (Patient-Determined Disease Steps [PDDS]), as well as longitudinal assessments of quality of life (Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders [Neuro-QoL] Cognitive, Upper Extremity, and Lower Extremity Function) and daily health (MS symptoms, triggers, health, mobility, pain). Participants also completed functional tests (finger-tapping, walk and balance, voice-based Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST], and finger-to-nose) as an independent assessment of MS-related cognition and motor activity. Local weather data were collected each time participants completed an active task. Associations between self-reported baseline/longitudinal assessments, functional tests, and weather were evaluated using linear (for cross-sectional data) and mixed-effects (for longitudinal data) regression models. Results A total of 660 individuals enrolled in the study; 31 withdrew, 495 had MS (n=359 self-referred, n=136 clinic-referred), and 134 were controls. Participation was highest in clinic-referred versus self-referred participants (median retention: 25.5 vs 7.0 days). The top 5 most common MS symptoms, reported at least once by participants with MS, were fatigue (310/495, 62.6%), weakness (222/495, 44.8%), memory/attention issues (209/495, 42.2%), and difficulty walking (205/495, 41.4%), and the most common triggers were high ambient temperature (259/495, 52.3%), stress (250/495, 50.5%), and late bedtime (221/495, 44.6%). Baseline PDDS was significantly associated with functional test performance in participants with MS (mixed model–based estimate of most significant feature across functional tests [β]: finger-tapping: β=–43.64, P<.001; DSST: β=–5.47, P=.005; walk and balance: β=–.39, P=.001; finger-to-nose: β=.01, P=.01). Longitudinal Neuro-QoL scores were also significantly associated with functional tests (finger-tapping with Upper Extremity Function: β=.40, P<.001; walk and balance with Lower Extremity Function: β=–99.18, P=.02; DSST with Cognitive Function: β=1.60, P=.03). Finally, local temperature was significantly associated with participants’ test performance (finger-tapping: β=–.14, P<.001; DSST: β=–.06, P=.009; finger-to-nose: β=–53.88, P<.001). Conclusions The elevateMS study app captured the real-world experience of MS, characterized some MS symptoms, and assessed the impact of environmental factors on symptom severity. Our study provides further evidence that supports smartphone app use to monitor MS with both active assessments and patient-reported measures of disease burden. App-based tracking may provide unique and timely real-world data for clinicians and patients, resulting in improved disease insights and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Grant
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
| | - Ashok Vegesna
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
| | | | - Stanley Cohan
- Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center, Providence St Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Chinmay Deshpande
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, United States
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