Self-management for people with multiple sclerosis: report from the first international consensus conference, november 15, 2010

Improving the quality of self-management in discharged patients with multiple sclerosis: a best practice implementation project

OBJECTIVES

This project determined current compliance with best practice recommendations for self-management in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and used a web-based intervention to implement strategies to improve the quality of self-management in discharged patients with MS.

METHODS

Guided by the JBI Evidence-based Model of Health care, this project applied the 7 phases of the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework to improve the quality of self-management in MS patients.

RESULTS

After implementation, compliance significantly improved across all criteria compared with the baseline audit. All patients were assessed to determine their ability to self-manage (Criterion 1). All health care providers were trained to facilitate self-management and behavioral change (Criterion 2). All patients had self-management goals and action plans that were set together by both health care providers and patients (Criteria 3, 5, 6, 7). All patients received education through online patient education courses and were given an education handbook (Criterion 4). The agreed action plan was documented (Criterion 8). All members of the multidisciplinary team coordinated the services required by the patients (Criterion 9) and provided appropriate support to help patients achieve their goals and solve problems through a WeChat group and the communication module on the self-management online platform (Criterion 10).

CONCLUSION

This implementation project effectively promoted practice change by enhancing patients' knowledge of self-management and staff awareness of delivering self-management support to MS patients.

Using participatory action research to develop a new self-management program: Results from the design stage of Managing My MS My Way

BACKGROUND

Self-management programs have been used with success in several clinical populations, and there is a growing body of evidence to support their use among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This group aimed to develop a novel self-management program, Managing My MS My Way (M⁴W), which is based in social cognitive theory and contains evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be effective for persons with MS. Furthermore, persons with MS would serve as stakeholders throughout the development process to ensure that the program would be useful and encourage adoption. This paper outlines the initial development stages of M⁴W, including determining 1) stakeholders' interest in a self-management program, 2) the general focus of the program, 3) the delivery method of the program, 4) the content of the program, and 5) potential barriers and adaptations.

METHODS

A three-stage study consisting of an anonymous survey (n = 187) to determine interest, topic, and delivery format; semi-structured interviews (n = 6) to follow-up on the survey results; and semi-structured interviews (n = 10) to refine the content and identify barriers.

RESULTS

Over 80% of survey participants were somewhat or very interested in a self-management program. Fatigue was the topic with the greatest amount of interest (64.7%). An internet-based program (e.g., mobile health or mHealth) was the most preferred delivery method (37.4%), with the first group of stakeholders proposing a module-based system with an initial in-person orientation session. The second group of stakeholders were overall enthusiastic about the program, giving moderate to high confidence scores for each of the proposed interventional strategies. Suggestions included skipping sections that were not applicable to them, setting reminders, and seeing their progress (e.g., visualizing their fatigue scores as they move through the program). In addition, stakeholders recommended larger font sizes and speech-to-text entry.

CONCLUSIONS

Input from the stakeholders has been incorporated into the prototype of M⁴W. The next steps will be to test this prototype with another group of stakeholders to assess its initial usability and identify issues before developing the functional prototype.

The effect of telenursing education of self-care on health-promoting behaviors in patients with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical trial study

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis is associated with decrease in health-promoting behaviors (HPBs) and require appropriate nursing interventions. Telenursing can play an important role in education of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in which face-to-face education is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care education with telenursing approach on HPBs in patients with MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this clinical trial, 68 patients with MS were selected using simple random sampling from Jahrom MS Society and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34) groups. In the intervention group, educational sessions were held three days a week for six weeks. Data were collected using demographic information and Walker's Health-Promoting Lifestyle questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS software (Ver. 21).

RESULTS

Based on the findings, immediately after the intervention, the mean score of HPBs was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the intervention group (145.38 ± 26.66) than the control group (129.18 ± 22.35). The means of nutrition, exercise, health responsibility, and stress management were significantly different between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

results this study indicated that self-care education with telenursing approach was effective on HPBs in patients with MS. It can be beneficial to employ as an educative-supportive approach in MS patients.

Self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis. There is rising interest in how the multifactorial and chronic nature of fall risk among people with multiple sclerosis can be addressed through self-management. Thus, the aims were to investigate the extent and the scope of publications on self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis, and to identify how the concept of self-management was defined and used.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic literature search in Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science and PsycInfo was conducted to identify publications until July 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Published methodological guidance was followed. Articles targeting: (1) people with multiple sclerosis, (2) falls, and (3) self-management were selected. Of 1656 records, 203 publications were assessed for eligibility, of which 173 did not meet the inclusion criteria, and 16 publications did not contain empirical data. The type of publication, study focus, and study design was extracted. If applicable, key findings, self-management tasks and skills, and the definition of self-management were extracted.

RESULTS

Fourteen original articles met all inclusion criteria. Ten articles represented six different fall prevention interventions. Three publications were randomized controlled trials. Self-management content was variable and not comprehensive in nature. None of the 14 publications included a self-management definition.

CONCLUSION

The limited number of original articles and the even fewer intervention studies show that the research on self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis is in its infancy. To progress in the research area of self-management of falls, a more robust, consensus-based description of self-management frameworks and activities is needed.

Development and usability testing of your MS questionnaire: A patient-based digital tool to monitor symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Objectives

We describe the development of Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire and present the real-world usability testing results of Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire.

Methods

The Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire tool was developed in four stages to collect feedback from people living with MS (plwMS), patient organizations, and clinicians on content, format, and applicability. To assess its usability, 13 clinicians across 7 countries completed an online survey after using the tool with plwMS in a total of 261 consultations from September, 2020 to July, 2021.

Results

The initial Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire version was based on findings from previous research developing MSProDiscuss™, a clinician-completed tool. Subsequently, insights from plwMS obtained during cognitive debriefing, patient councils and advisory boards led to changes including the addition of mood and sexual problems and the definition of relapse. All 13 clinicians completed the individual survey, whereas 10 clinicians completed the final survey. Clinicians "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire was easy to use and understand (98.5%; 257/261 patient consultations). The clinicians were willing to use the tool again with the same patient (98.1%; 256/261 patient consultations). All clinicians who completed the final survey (100%; 10/10) reported the tool to have a positive influence on their clinical practice, helped patients engage with their MS, facilitated discussion with patients, and complemented neurological assessment.

Conclusion

Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire benefits both plwMS and clinicians by facilitating a structured discussion and engaging the plwMS to self-monitor and self-manage. Your Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire is compatible with telemedicine practice and integration of the tool into electronic health records would enable tracking of the disease evolution and individual monitoring of MS symptoms over time.

A mobile app (IDoThis) for multiple sclerosis self-management: development and initial evaluation

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, and self-management is considered an essential dimension in its control. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based mobile application for MS self-management and evaluate it.

METHODS

This study was undertaken in three phases: content preparation, design, and evaluation. In the content preparation phase, the researchers extracted MS self-management needs based on related guidelines and guides, existing apps on the self-management of MS, and the field experts' views and confirmation. The design phase was conducted in five steps: defining app functionalities, depicting the wireframe, preparing the media, coding the app, and testing the app's performance. The app was developed using the Android Studio environment and Java programming language for the Android operating system. The performance of the developed app was tested separately in several turns, and existing defects were corrected in each turn. Finally, after using the app for three weeks, the app was evaluated for its short-term impact on MS management and user-friendliness using a researcher-constructed questionnaire from participants' (N = 20) perspectives.

RESULTS

The IDoThis app is an offline app for people with MS that includes five main modules: three modules for training or informing users about different aspects of MS, one module for monitoring the user's MS condition, and a reporting module. In the initial evaluation of the app, 75% (n = 15) of participants mentioned that using this app improved MS self-management status at intermediate and higher levels, but 25% (n = 5) of the participants mentioned that the effect of using the app on the self-management tasks was low or was very low. The majority of users rated the user-friendliness of the app as high. The users found the sections "exercises in MS" and "monitoring of MS status" beneficial to their self-management. Still, the fatigue and sleep management sections are needed to meet users' expectations.

CONCLUSION

Using IDoThis app as a self-management tool for individuals with MS appears feasible, that can meet the need for a free and accessible self-management tool for individuals with MS. Future directions should consider the users' fatigue and sleep management expectations.

Process evaluation findings of a fall prevention and management program for wheelchair and scooter users with multiple sclerosis

Objective

To describe process evaluation findings of a clinical trial to evaluate the Individualized Reduction of Falls (iROLL) program, a 6-session, group-based intervention designed to reduce fall incidence among people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) who use a wheelchair or scooter full-time.

Methods

A mixed-methods process evaluation focusing on implementation and mechanisms of impact (MOI) was conducted. Both iROLL participants and trainers (licensed occupational or physical therapists) provided input.

Results

Seventeen iROLL participants and nine trainers participated. The overall session attendance rate was 93%. Content and logistics fidelity were 95% and 90%, respectively and average overall participant satisfaction rating was 4.7/5.0. Five MOI themes emerged: group dynamic, comprehensive nature of the program, strong program development, role of a skilled interventionist, and motivated participants. Recruitment challenged program reach.

Conclusion

iROLL is acceptable to the target audience, can be delivered with high fidelity and has diverse and interacting mechanisms of impact operating. Remote delivery may improve reach.

Innovation

Effective iROLL delivery requires trainers with strong group management skills who can also individualize material while maintaining program fidelity. Comprehensive training and on-going support of the occupational and physical therapists delivering iROLL bolsters program effectiveness. Program access may improve with online delivery.

Understanding lifestyle self-management regimens that improve the life quality of people living with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle self-management as an intervention for people living with multiple sclerosis (plwMS) is an emerging area of research. Previous reviews have highlighted a need to systematically identify effective self-management regimens that influence the health and well-being of plwMS using a common metric of success.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness of lifestyle self-management strategies and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life (QOL), and/or disability of plwMS. The review also aimed to narratively explore common elements of self-management interventions that were effective at improving the outcomes of interest.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed using five scientific databases. The review process followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions  and was registered with PROSPERO (Ref: CRD42021235982).

RESULTS

A total of 57 studies including 5830 individuals diagnosed with MS, met the inclusion criteria. Self-management interventions included physical activity, fatigue, dietary, stress/coping, emotional, symptom and medical management, and lifestyle and wellbeing programs. Self-reported QOL improved in 35 of 47 studies. Dietary intervention had no statistically significant overall effect on reducing MS disability, (P = 0.18). Heterogeneity limited the ability to pool the effects from a large number of eligible studies of the same design.

CONCLUSION

Multicomponent self-management interventions, multimodal delivery methods, and cognitive behavioural theory principles were common elements of self-management interventions that improved the QOL of plwMS. However, these results should be interpreted with caution and care should be taken in its clinical application. This review has the potential to inform future management practices for plwMS and has revealed a significant gap in the literature, warranting high-quality, large-scale experimental, and observational studies that address lifestyle management.

The Effect of a Self-Management Program on Care Burden and Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of People With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face many caring-related problems that increase their care burden and decrease their self-efficacy. Evidence-based self-management interventions may be used to improve care processes and resolve caregiver concerns.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on care burden and self-efficacy in family caregivers of people with MS.

METHODS

This study was performed in Iran in 2018-2019. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to control and intervention groups of 35 participants each using stratified randomization by gender. The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-management program. Data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview and Scherrer Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS Version 16.

RESULTS

No significant difference in care burden scores was found between the two groups at baseline ( p = .953). However, mean scores for care burden in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after completion of the intervention (42.6 ± 3) and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (36 ± 3), with the most significant improvement found immediately after the intervention. Similarly, no significant difference in self-efficacy scores was found between the groups at baseline ( p = .976). However, mean scores for self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (60.6 ± 4.7 and 72.7 ± 4, respectively), with the most significant improvement found at 3 months postintervention.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Providing self-management programs to caregivers of people with MS is an effective approach to reducing their burden of care and increasing their self-efficacy. Enhancing self-management by learning adaptation skills, self-care skills, social support, and spiritual support promote improved self-efficacy and reduce the care burden of these caregivers.

A Qualitative Study of Health Care Professionals' Views on Bowel Care in Multiple Sclerosis: Whose Job Is It Anyway?

BACKGROUND

Bowel dysfunction, including constipation and fecal incontinence, is prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), adversely affecting quality of life and increasing caregiver burden. How health care professionals (HCPs) identify, assess, and manage people with MS with bowel dysfunction is understudied. This study explored how HCPs think about, assess, and manage bowel dysfunction in individuals with MS.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 HCPs from different professional disciplines and clinical specialties recruited from UK National Health Service primary, secondary, and tertiary care services using purposive and chain referral sampling through professional networks. One participant worked for a bladder and bowel charity. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Views differed regarding responsibilities for providing bowel care. Participants thought individuals with MS should notify HCPs of bowel symptoms and take responsibility for self-management where possible, with family caregivers required to help with bowel care. Although people with MS were often referred to bladder and bowel specialists when a crisis point was reached, earlier referral was called for by these HCPs. There were variations in assessment processes, treatment options offered, and service provision. Participants thought HCPs needed more education on bowel dysfunction, bowel care should take a high priority, and evidence-based clinical guidelines and referral pathways would improve service delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The HCPs caring for individuals with MS see many with bowel dysfunction, and there is variation in care and service provision; HCPs require more education, evidence-based clinical guidelines, and referral pathways to improve case finding, assessment, and management of these symptoms for individuals with MS.

Exploring Self-management Needs of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study for Mobile Application Development

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common cause of neurologic disability in young adults. Individuals with MS deal with the day-to-day effects of the disease on their lives. Self-management can help with these challenges. This study aimed to explore MS self-management needs according to experiences of persons with MS and was conducted as part of a research project to develop an MS self-management mobile application.

METHODS

We used a qualitative method to elicit self-management needs among 12 individuals with MS and conducted semistructured interviews with them. The participants were chosen based on snowball sampling. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Finally, qualitative data were analyzed using a content analysis method (inductive way) to identify the underlying themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

The analysis resulted in the emergence of 7 themes: the source of information, basic needs, understanding MS, physical exercises in MS, useful nutrition in MS, MS monitoring, and communication. Within these 7 themes we identified 23 subthemes.

CONCLUSIONS

The themes that emerged in this study show what needs are essential to help persons with MS improve their self-management capacity. These findings can help in the development of self-management mobile applications for supporting individuals in managing MS.

EAN Guideline on Palliative Care of People with Severe, Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Purpose: Patients with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex physical and psychosocial needs, typically over several years. Few treatment options are available to prevent or delay further clinical worsening in this population. The objective was to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the palliative care of patients with severe, progressive MS. Methods: This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Formulation of the clinical questions was performed in the Patients-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome format, involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HPs). No uniform definition of severe MS exists: in this guideline, constant bilateral support required to walk 20 m without resting (Expanded Disability Status Scale score >6.0) or higher disability is referred to. When evidence was lacking for this population, recommendations were formulated using indirect evidence or good practice statements were devised. Results: Ten clinical questions were formulated. They encompassed general and specialist palliative care, advance care planning, discussing with HPs the patient's wish to hasten death, symptom management, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, interventions for caregivers and interventions for HPs. A total of 34 recommendations (33 weak, 1 strong) and seven good practice statements were devised. Conclusions: The provision of home-based palliative care (either general or specialist) is recommended with weak strength for patients with severe, progressive MS. Further research on the integration of palliative care and MS care is needed. Areas that currently lack evidence of efficacy in this population include advance care planning, the management of symptoms such as fatigue and mood problems, and interventions for caregivers and HPs.

Psychological factors associated with self-management in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Patient's engagement in their own treatment has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. A better understanding of the association between self-management in multiple sclerosis (MS) and potentially modifiable psychological factors may provide clinicians with strategies to design and stimulate better patient activation for self-managing health. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether cognitive factors, namely self-efficacy, acceptance of illness, optimism, and health locus of control (HLC), are associated with self-management in MS.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 382 patients with MS who completed the MS Self-Management Scale-Revised and the questionnaires that measure self-efficacy, optimism, illness acceptance, and HLC were included in the study.

RESULTS

A hierarchical multiple regression revealed that power of others' HLC (b = 0.42, P ≤ .001), optimism (b = 0.27, P ≤ .01), internal HLC (b = -0.11, P = .017), and self-efficacy (b = 0.11, P = .031), together with control variables (longer disease duration and higher disability), explained 30% of the variance in the dependent variable.

CONCLUSIONS

In the case of MS, self-management is associated with patient's perception that healthcare professionals control their health, higher self-efficacy, optimism, and, surprisingly, lower internal HLC. The results of this study indicate the vital role of the healthcare staff in encouraging the patients with MS toward activities related to self-management and provide new insights on the psychological intervention aimed at improving self-management by patients.

EAN guideline on palliative care of people with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with severe, progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex physical and psychosocial needs, typically over several years. Few treatment options are available to prevent or delay further clinical worsening in this population. The objective was to develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the palliative care of patients with severe, progressive MS.

METHODS

This guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Formulation of the clinical questions was performed in the Patients-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome format, involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HPs). No uniform definition of severe MS exists: in this guideline, constant bilateral support required to walk 20 m without resting (Expanded Disability Status Scale score > 6.0) or higher disability is referred to. When evidence was lacking for this population, recommendations were formulated using indirect evidence or good practice statements were devised.

RESULTS

Ten clinical questions were formulated. They encompassed general and specialist palliative care, advance care planning, discussing with HPs the patient's wish to hasten death, symptom management, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, interventions for caregivers and interventions for HPs. A total of 34 recommendations (33 weak, 1 strong) and seven good practice statements were devised.

CONCLUSIONS

The provision of home-based palliative care (either general or specialist) is recommended with weak strength for patients with severe, progressive MS. Further research on the integration of palliative care and MS care is needed. Areas that currently lack evidence of efficacy in this population include advance care planning, the management of symptoms such as fatigue and mood problems, and interventions for caregivers and HPs.

Multiple sclerosis self-management model: Personal and contextual requirements for successful self-management

OBJECTIVE

To explore self-management strategies used by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with aim of developing a MS self-management model.

METHODS

A grounded theory approach guided development of a MS self-management model. Eighteen individuals living with MS for three or more years and self-identifying as successfully managing their MS were interviewed twice using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews six months apart. Demographic and disease characteristics were descriptively analyzed. Field notes and interview data were qualitatively analyzed to identify concepts and categories.

RESULTS

The emerging model revealed six person-related categories describing self-management strategies: adjusting outlook, managing stress, managing symptoms, healthy lifestyle, effective communication, and setting priorities and planning. Three context-related categories that required successful navigation for self-management were also identified: physical environment, personal social network, and community services and resources.

CONCLUSIONS

The emerging self-management model that is grounded in the perspective of people with MS includes person and context-related strategies that can be used concurrently to guide self-management in the variety of challenges experienced by people with MS.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

A self-management model of MS is useful to service providers, health professionals, advocacy organizations and people with MS to draw upon an organized and comprehensive approach to self-management.

"A non-person to the rest of the world": experiences of social isolation amongst severely impaired people with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: To gain insight into the experiences of, and potential solutions to, social isolation amongst severely impaired people with multiple sclerosis.Methods: A phenomenological research approach using face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.Results: Sixteen severely impaired people with multiple sclerosis were interviewed (Expanded Disability Status Scale >6.5); aged 38-72 years, nine female, time since diagnosis ranged 3-30 years). Four key themes were generated in line with the study objectives, each with further sub-themes. The themes were (1) Definitions of isolation (2) Causes of isolation (3) Impact of isolation, and (4) Potential eases of isolation.Conclusions: Data portrayed social isolation as complex and multi-factorial in its definitions, its causes, and its impact. Isolation is not just about being lonely or left on one's own, but represents a spiral of impacts. Physical deterioration can lead to reduced choice and control regarding access to, and interaction with others and society, affecting personal identity. Sometimes this leads to further self-isolation. Personalised psychosocial support, with improved ease of access, focused on helping people with severe multiple sclerosis regain a sense of self and their place in the world may ease social isolation.Implications for rehabilitationPeople with severe multiple sclerosis can experience a sense of powerlessness, a lack of choice and control over daily life, leading to changes in self-identity and social isolation.Peoples' experiences are very personal, and any approach to help deal with social isolation needs to be based in considering how to think positively about how life can be lived and how to make that work.Multiple sclerosis support groups should not be assumed to alleviate feelings of social isolation.Interventions should focus on personalized psychosocial input aimed at helping the person with multiple sclerosis regain a sense of self and their place in the world.

Mobile Applications for Multiple Sclerosis: a Focus on Self-Management

Introduction

The explosion of mobile phone users along with the importance of user's role in managing their health provides a unique opportunity for m-Health applications in the management of chronic illnesses such as Multiple sclerosis (MS).

Aim

To identify available MS applications and to characterize the content of MS self-management applications.

Methods

Two popular online application stores (iTunes, Google play) were searched for multiple sclerosis -related apps using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, disseminated multiple sclerosis, disseminated sclerosis, and MS. Apps were considered eligible if they had been customized only on multiple sclerosis. First, data was extracted from the description page for any eligible application. To achieve the study goal, the secondary analysis was performed only for self-management applications.

Results

Search of two popular markets identified 1042 applications (747 applications from Google play, and 295 applications from iTunes). Of these, 104 unique applications met the inclusion criteria. Almost a quarter of eligible applications (26%) had been designed for multiple sclerosis self-management. Other purposes of the identified applications were diagnosing & treating (7.7%), doing tests (7.7%), connecting & communication for MS patients (4.8%), raising awareness of multiple sclerosis (15.4%), accessing to journals & news (6.7%), conferences & meetings (17.3%), supporting & donating to MS community (14.4%).

Conclusion

It appears the mobile applications provide a multidimensional tool for patient with Multiple Sclerosis to improve their condition self-management. These applications can contribute to empowerment of the patients, and help their adherence to the therapeutic and management regimen of their conditions. Moreover, they can be utilized to collect information on the MS progress pattern in personal level for each individual patient. This information may provide health care professionals with evidence to help their patients toward enhancing self-management of their disease.

"I'm still me - I'm still here!" Understanding the person's sense of self in the provision of self-management support for people with progressive neurological long-term conditions

PURPOSE

There is increasing interest in tailoring self-management support, but little detail is available on the relevance and impact of such approaches for people with progressive neurological conditions. The aim of this study was to draw on individuals' experiences to inform the practice of self-management support for these groups.

METHOD

Community rehabilitation service users were purposively recruited and took part in in-depth qualitative interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was iterative and interpretative, taking a phenomenological approach. Strategies to enhance rigor were auditability, peer review, and researcher reflexivity.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 10 adults (age 20-79 years) who were living with a range of progressive neurological conditions. Individuals demonstrated resourcefulness in developing practice-based self-management strategies. Beyond practical strategies, interviewees' experiences were signified by reflecting on and upholding a sense of identity and a desire for purpose against the background of losses and gains over time. Linking with this overarching theme of "Sense of self" were aspects of "My body and mind", "Time", "Space", "Relationships", and "What I do".

CONCLUSIONS

Self-management approaches for individuals with progressive neurological conditions will benefit from incorporating ways of recognizing, articulating, and supporting the person's sense of identity and purpose. Implications for rehabilitation Self-management approaches for people with progressive neurological conditions need to take account of individuals' wishes to contribute, connect with others, and be valued as a person. Person-centred self-management support can be realized through a broader approach than solely managing disease progression. The experiences and words of people with progressive neurological conditions can be used to inform meaningful evaluation of self-management support to drive service delivery by measuring what really matters. Rehabilitation practitioners need to adapt their conceptualisations of goal setting to account for how people with progressive neurological conditions themselves interpret "progress" and "improvement". Person-centred conversation that values who the person is can be an effective starting point for self-management interventions in people with progressive neurological conditions.

Interventions to improve the self-management support health professionals provide for people with progressive neurological conditions: protocol for a realist synthesis

INTRODUCTION

Supporting self-management among people with long-term conditions is recognised as an important component of healthcare. Progressive neurological conditions (PNCs), for example, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis are associated with problems such as fatigue and cognitive impairment which may make self-management more challenging. Health professionals may need to develop specific skills in order to provide effective self-management support for these patients. The review aims to develop explanatory theories about how health professional-targeted interventions to improve self-management support provision for people with PNCs operate in different circumstances.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A realist synthesis of the evidence is proposed. There are 2 priority questions for the review to address. These relate to the role of a shared concept of self-management support within the healthcare team, and the need to tailor the support provided to the requirements of people with PNCs. Key stakeholders will be involved throughout the process. The initial search strategy uses terms relating to (1) self-management, (2) health professionals and (3) PNCs. Searching, data extraction and synthesis will occur in parallel. Studies will be prioritised for inclusion based on anticipated contribution to generating explanatory theories. Key informant interviews are planned to direct supplementary searches and help further refine the theories developed. Results will be expressed in the form of context-mechanism-outcome configurations.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Publication guidelines on realist synthesis will be followed. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and made available to organisations involved in the provision of health professional training.

A qualitative investigation of lay perspectives of diagnosis and self-management strategies employed by people with progressive multiple sclerosis

This article explores how people with progressive multiple sclerosis give meaning to their experiences. It builds upon the self-management literature, which has captured the tension between the desire for retaining normalcy and the increasing burden of self-management associated with chronic disease progression. This repeat interview study is empirically grounded in 28 interviews with 14 people with progressive multiple sclerosis. We identified gender differences in diagnosis-seeking which impacted subsequent sense-making. Male respondents found a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis difficult to come to terms with, and an enduring sense of loss or anger could inhibit further sense-making. A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was more difficult to obtain for women respondents, and any sense of certainty that diagnosis provided framed their subsequent sense-making strategies. The complex sequelae of multiple sclerosis require that self-management strategies are both contextual and timely, although even the most accomplished self-managers can lose their sense of self with neurodegeneration. Disease progression can be associated with suicidal ideation, suggesting the need for greater dialogue to ensure that people with multiple sclerosis are adequately supported to fulfil their quality of life at all stages of neurodegeneration. These lay perspectives emphasise the articulation of affect rather than the rendering of a medical diagnosis, although diagnosis may provide a degree of certainty in the short term. The ethos of self-management ensures people attempt to retain their sense of 'normality' and existent social roles for as long as possible, but this ethos can negate both one's ability to self-manage and the management of self.

The Transition to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Health Professionals' Experiences

Background: Identifying the transition from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) can be challenging for clinicians. Little previous research has explored how professionals experience working with patients during this specific stage of the disease. We explored the experiences of a group of multidisciplinary professionals who support patients in the transition to SPMS to describe this stage from a professional perspective. Methods: This qualitative semistructured interview study included 11 professionals (medical, nursing, and allied health professionals; specialists and generalists) working with patients with MS in South Wales, United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of the interview data was performed. Results: Two overarching themes were identified: the transition and providing support. The transition theme comprised issues related to recognizing and communicating about SPMS. Uncertainty influenced recognizing the transition and knowing how to discuss it with patients. The providing support theme included descriptions of challenging aspects of patient care, providing support for caregivers, using the multidisciplinary team, and working within service constraints. Providing adequate psychological support and engaging patients with self-management approaches were seen as particularly challenging. Conclusions: Caring for patients in the transition to SPMS generates specific challenges for professionals. Further research on health-care interactions and patients'/professionals' experiences regarding the transition phase may help identify strategies for professional development and learning and how to optimize the patient experience at this difficult stage of disease.

Healthy Aging from the Perspectives of 683 Older People with Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine what factors most greatly contributed to healthy aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) from the perspective of a large sample of older people with MS. Design and Methods. Participants (n = 683; >55 years of age with symptoms >20 years) provided answers to an open-ended question regarding healthy aging and were categorized into three groups, 55–64 (young), 65–74 (middle), and 75 and over (oldest old). Sociodemographic actors were compared using ANOVA. Two independent raters used the framework method of analyzing qualitative data. Results. Participants averaged 64 years of age (±6.2) with MS symptoms for 32.9 years (±9.4). 531 participants were female (78%). The majority of participants lived in their own home (n = 657) with a spouse or partner (n = 483). Participants described seven themes: social connections, attitude and outlook on life, lifestyle choices and habits, health care system, spirituality and religion, independence, and finances. These themes had two shared characteristics, multidimensionality and interdependence. Implications. Learning from the experiences of older adults with MS can help young and middle aged people with MS plan to age in their own homes and communities. Our data suggests that older people with MS prioritize factors that are modifiable through targeted self-management strategies.

THE EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY FOR PAIN CONTROL IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INTRODUCTION

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system. The prevalence of it is increasing in our country too. The pain from disorders can affect quality of life. Several studies have pointed to the improvement of patients through educational intervention. This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on raising the awareness and self-efficacy for pain control among patients with multiple sclerosis during 2015 under the coverage of Isfahan MS Society (IMSS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study involving pre-test, post-test and randomized control group conducted on 100 patients with MS referred to the Isfahan MS Society (IMSS). The educational intervention group learned the pain management self-care lesson during 4 weekly sessions. The data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire with adequate validity and reliability, containing demographic data, awareness and self-efficacy of pain control. The data were assessed through descriptive and analytical tests assisted by SPSS 17. The significant level was considered as P<0.05.

RESULTS

Concerning the questionnaire, 96% of the items were responded. Most participants were women. The frequency distribution of demographic variables was not significantly different between the two pre-test groups. After the intervention, the mean score of knowledge and efficacy among patients in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Educational interventions can improve awareness and self-efficacy for pain control among patients with MS. Therefore, such interventions can be designed to reduce physical and psychological complications following multiple sclerosis.

A home-based comprehensive care model in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A study pre-protocol

Background Disability is prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to difficulty in care access, significant caregiver burden, immense challenges in self-care and great societal burden.  Without highly coordinated, competent and accessible care, individuals living with progressive MS experience psychological distress, poor quality of life, suffer from life-threatening complications, and have frequent but avoidable healthcare utilizations. Unfortunately, current healthcare delivery models present severe limitations in providing easily accessible, patient-centered, coordinated comprehensive care to those with progressive MS. We propose a home-based comprehensive care model (MAHA) to address the unmet needs, challenges, and avoidable complications in individuals with progressive MS with disabling disease.

Objective The article aims to describe the study design and methods used to implement and evaluate the proposed intervention.  

Method The study will use a randomized controlled design to evaluate the feasibility of providing a 24-month, home-based, patient-centered comprehensive care program to improve quality of life, reduce complications and healthcare utilizations overtime (quarterly) for 24 months. A transdisciplinary team led by a MS-Comprehensivist will carry out this project. Fifty MS patients will be randomly assigned to the intervention and usual care program using block randomization procedures. We hypothesize that patients in the intervention group will have fewer complications, higher quality of life, greater satisfaction with care, and reduced healthcare utilization. The proposed project is also expected to be financially sustainable in fee-for-service models but best suited for and gain financial success in valued-based care systems.  

Discussion This is the first study to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based comprehensive care management program in MS patients living with progressive disability. If successful, it will have far-reaching implications in research, education and practice in terms of providing high quality but affordable care to population living with severe complex, disabling conditions.

Perspectives on Physical Activity Among People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Are Wheelchair Users: Informing the Design of Future Interventions

BACKGROUND

People with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS) are less physically active than those with milder forms of the disease, and wheelchair use has a negative association with physical activity participation. Thus, wheelchair users with MS are doubly disadvantaged for accruing the benefits of physical activity and exercise. Appropriate physical activity and exercise interventions are needed for this population.

METHODS

We undertook a qualitative study to explore the meanings, motivations, and outcomes of physical activity in wheelchair users with MS. We sought to understand daily opportunities to accumulate physical activity and exercise, and to identify perceived barriers, facilitators, and benefits that might inform the design of future interventions.

RESULTS

We interviewed 15 wheelchair users (mean age, 52 ± 8.8 years; n = 12 women). Data were transcribed and analyzed to identify and explore common themes. Our first theme was the reduced opportunity to participate in physical activity due to participants' dependence on mobility devices, environmental adaptations, and tangible support. Our second theme was the importance of incorporating physical activity and exercise into the everyday environment, highlighting the need for adaptive exercise and accessible environments. This indicated the need to incorporate behavior change modulators into physical activity and exercise interventions for those with advanced MS. Health-care professionals played an important role in promoting increased physical activity and exercise participation in those with advanced MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may inform future interventions to increase initiation and maintenance of physical activity and exercise among people with advanced MS.

A multicenter, prospective, quasi-experimental evaluation study of a patient education program to foster multiple sclerosis self-management competencies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of the self-management training program "S.MS" for new multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

METHOD

Multicenter, prospective, quasi-experimental study with 31 MS patients in the intervention group (training program) and 33 participants in the control group (CG) (brochures). Data were collected before, after and 6 months after the interventions. Analysis of change was done by ANCOVA with repeated measurements.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants in CG were younger at the time of diagnosis, suffered more frequently from relapsing-remitting MS and took more MS-medication on a permanent basis. The intervention had a stable significant effect on each dimension of self-management ability, on total self-management ability (ES=0.194, p<0.001), on anxiety (ES=0.193, p=0.001), and on disease-specific quality of life (ES=0.120, p=0.007). Regarding depression, a significant interaction effect of time and intervention could be observed (ES=0.106, p=0.011). No effect was found on disease-specific knowledge. High participant acceptance was reported.

CONCLUSION

"S.MS" participation was associated with a significant and sustained improvement of self-management abilities, anxiety and disease-specific quality of life in a quasi-experimental study design. Using RCT or CRT-designs would be desirable to further improve the evidence of treatment effectiveness.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study provides substantial evidence that "S.MS" fosters patients' self-management ability.

Future directions of multiple sclerosis rehabilitation research

Multiple sclerosis continues to present a host of rehabilitation challenges, specifically the impact of secondary "hidden" conditions on quality of life, participation, and employment. To discuss the current state of rehabilitation research and direct future research endeavors, a state of the science conference was held in November 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia. The conference was presented by the University of Washington's Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and focused on the current state of research into secondary conditions, outcomes measurement, employment, and the utility of psychotherapeutic interventions. This article discusses the details and recommendations of this conference.