QL03
TAKE CHARGEŽ Program: Examination of the Can Do MS Two-Day Lifestyle Empowerment Program
Topics: Psychosocial Factors, Quality of Life/Outcomes, Family and Caregive
Background: Although MS is the most common autoimmune disorder, individuals diagnosed still report unmet needs with regard to education, physical, psychological and social support interventions (e.g., Frau et al., 2015; McCabe et al., 2015).
Objectives: Addressing the whole health of this population is needed with more personalized and empowering components. Taking a positive and optimistic approach to living with MS impacts physical adjustment and healthy coping strategies, and it also influences positive physical health outcomes (e.g., Simpson et al., 2014). In response, Can Do MS developed the TAKE CHARGE® Program. This is a two-day nationally distributed program incorporating MS education, experiential activities, interaction with MS experts (e.g., NP, PT, OT, Dietitian, and two Psychologists) and others living with MS.
Methods: Current data is from three workshops conducted during 2014 and 2015. Program’s baseline sample shows average age of participants at 52.22yr. (SD = 13.06), (59%) women, and PwMS (54%). Repeated measures ANOVA were run to examine changes pre- to 3 months post.
Results: Participants showed significant improvement in MS specific self-efficacy and personal growth/benefit finding. Significant improvement occurred in the MS Self-Efficacy Scale, F (1,41) = 18.28, p < .05, Eta2 = .31, from pre (M = 541.67; SD = 137.09) to 3 mo (M = 649.52; SD = 145.99); the personal growth subscale of the MS Benefit Finding Scale, F (1,44) = 6.10, p < .05, Eta2 =.12, from pre (M = 2.16; SD = .44) to 3 mo (M = 2.30; SD = .52). A significant improvement in couple illness communication (CICS) was found at immediate post (p < .05) but not at 3 months (p > .05), with implications discussed. Additional outcomes include satisfaction, use of skills learned, positive attitude, and behavior changes (e.g., increased physical activity). Results provide clinically meaningful evidence of program success in behavior change and satisfaction outcomes. Implications of increasing positive constructs include better medication adherence, less morbidity, and increased longevity (e.g., Cuffee et al., 2012; Moskowitz et al., 2008). The reporting of increased positive behaviors such as engagement in physical activity is also encouraging as this is associated with numerous benefits such as improvements in fatigue, mobility, and quality of life (Motl & Pilutti, 2012).
Conclusions: Findings provide an indication that the TAKE CHARGE Program is an effective way to teach individualized skills and facilitates the mindset to take charge of one’s whole health to live more fully with MS.