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Mavropalias G, Baynton SL, Teo S, Donkers SJ, Van Rens FE, Learmonth YC. Allied health professionals knowledge and clinical practice in telehealth exercise behavioural change for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105689. [PMID: 38820698 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105689] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing importance of telehealth in multiple sclerosis (MS) necessitates an understanding of current practices and training needs of health professionals. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, preparedness, and training preferences of Australian allied health professionals (AHPs) in telehealth exercise therapy and exercise behavioural change for MS patients to inform the development of educational training. METHODS An online survey was completed by 58 Australian AHPs, including 34 physiotherapists, 14 exercise physiologists, and 10 occupational therapists, focusing on their current practices, preparedness, and training preferences in telehealth exercise and behavioural change for MS. The survey included multiple-choice, Likert scale, and free-text response questions. Data were analysed using binary and multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS Not all AHPs were aware of MS exercise guidelines (67% awareness), with exercise physiologists showing the highest familiarity. There was a significant understanding of the difference between physical activity and exercise, though definitions often lacked clarity. Most AHPs (91%) employed behavioural change strategies in their practice, especially goal-setting (95%), identifying facilitators (67%), and reinforcing progress (66%). While most (72%) felt prepared in promoting exercise to MS clients, there were differences in confidence levels concerning the prescription, modification, and teaching of telehealth exercise programs, with occupational therapists have significant less confidence in those domains compared to other AHPs. Most AHPs expressed interest in additional training, with a preference for online workshops focusing on exercise prescription for MS, behaviour change, and telehealth delivery methods. CONCLUSION In our Australian AHP sample we identified that a quarter to a third of AHPs in MS care may not be confident or prepared to promote telehealth exercise and behavioural change to people with MS. Moreover, the findings highlight some disparity in knowledge and confidence levels amongst different AHPs concerning exercise therapy for MS, indicating the need for tailored multidisciplinary training programs. Such programs should address profession-specific educational gaps and training preferences, ensuring effective and safe telehealth exercise prescription in MS care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Mavropalias
- School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Shavaughn L Baynton
- School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Shaun Teo
- School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Sarah J Donkers
- School of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Fleur Eca Van Rens
- School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Yvonne C Learmonth
- School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia.
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Ubbink DT, Damman OC, de Jong BA. Shared decision-making in patients with multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1063904. [PMID: 36438979 PMCID: PMC9691958 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1063904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder impacting physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health. The disease course, severity, and presence of symptoms differ within and between persons over time and are unpredictable. Given the preference-sensitive nature of many key decisions to be made, and the increasing numbers of disease-modifying therapies, shared decision-making (SDM) with patients seems to be key in offering optimum care and outcomes for people suffering from MS. In this paper, we describe our perspective on how to achieve SDM in patients with MS, following key SDM-elements from established SDM-frameworks. As for deliberation in the clinical encounter, SDM communication training of professionals and feedback on their current performance are key aspects, as well as encouraging patients to participate. Concerning information for patients, it is important to provide balanced, evidence-based information about the benefits and the harms of different treatment options, including the option of surveillance only. At the same time, attention is needed for the optimal dosage of that information, given the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction and fatigue among MS-patients, and the uncertainties they have to cope with. Finally, for broader communication, a system is required that assures patient preferences are actually implemented by multidisciplinary MS-teams. As SDM is also being implemented in many countries within the context of value-based health care, we consider the systematic use of outcome information, such as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and Patient Decision Aids, as an opportunity to achieve SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk T. Ubbink
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olga C. Damman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Public Health Research Institute, Free University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Brigit A. de Jong
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Public Health Research Institute, Free University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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