Promoting Confidence and Self Management Skills In Those Newly Diagnosed With MS

Promoting confidence and self management for people with MS: development of a simple brochure to improve quality of life and lessen anxiety and stress around MS symptoms

Background:

Those newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis  (MS) are often subject to a barrage of questions, tests, investigations, medication decisions and life choices, at a time where they are often ill-equipped to deal with such important matters (for example, after a recent relapse and high dose steroid treatment).  Often the newly diagnosed have so many questions themselves, and a very steep learning curve, which itself is unpredictable and by no means certain. Frequently these patients have anxiety and stress around when to telephone the clinic, what to say and which symptoms are medically important.

A simple brochure has been developed for use in our MS clinic, which guides people with MS on possible symptoms , suggested management strategies and simple, concise  text around what to do in each situation.

Objectives:

Development of a brochure addressing key common concerns in MS symptoms and providing concise contact information for patients to get in touch with the MS Clinic. It is hoped that this simple, easy to use guide will lessen anxiety and stress for patients and build confidence and self management skills.

This on-going project will seek information from  patients as to whether there has been a change in anxiety/stress levels and quality of life following discussion and  usage of the brochure to further improve upon the concept. Further reporting of the efficacy of this tool will be presented in 2014 to advance the concept of promoting confidence and self management in those newly diagnosed with MS.

Methods:

Development of a brochure to use as a discussion point with newly diagnosed MS patients around symptom management and when and how to seek medical attention. The brochure can then be taken home and utilized as a tool to decide appropriative or best options in certain situations.

Results:

 Ongoing- not yet known

Conclusions:

This on-going project will seek information and feedback from patients as to whether there has been a change in anxiety/stress levels and/or  quality of life following discussion and  usage of the brochure. It is envisaged that the brochure will be developed further and fine-tuned to reflect the changing needs and concerns of MS patients. Currently, all patients seen in the clinic will be educated using the brochure and provided a copy for home use.