National MS Society and Can Do MS Webinar & Telelearning Series

Background: People with MS have informed the National MS Society and Can Do MS through social media, program surveys, and phone inquiries that lifestyle strategies to help manage MS and pursuit of personal wellness are high priorities. In order to meet the identified need, the National MS Society and Can Do MS have partnered to develop and implement a live/archived webinar series on wellness and lifestyle strategies for the management of MS.

Objectives: The series aimed to provide evidence-based information to people living with MS and their support partners about wellness, symptom management and complementary approaches to managing MS so they could implement lifestyle behaviors, maximizing personal wellness. 

Methods: Fourteen one-hour webinars on a variety of topics (e.g., stress management, exercise, diet) were delivered in 2016. An electronic survey was sent to all participants to assess program satisfaction, desire and perceived ability to make a lifestyle change. 

Results: A total of 11,432 participants and included presentations from healthcare professionals and/or people living with MS. An additional 2,550 individuals viewed webinars after the live presentations. 2,971 participants completed the post survey from approximately 46 US States and various provinces of Canada. 96% (PwMS); average age of 55.31yr (SD=10.84); length of diagnosis for 11+ yrs (51%); reported moderate level of disability (49%). Participants reported high program satisfaction (90%) and recommendation (88%). Beyond satisfaction, results show creation of a supporting relationship with Can Do MS and the Society (89%) along with gaining information about promoting wellness and living with MS (80%). Intentions to make positive lifestyle behavior changes (79%) including increasing exercise (51%) and having a healthier eating plan (31%) also reported. 45% completed an open-ended question to share what they personally gained from participation. 

Conclusions: This wellness webinar series focused on providing information and empowering participants to make wellness focused changes. Indicators of increased wellness include improved quality of life, reduced stress and improved symptom management. Although findings are not causal, the large sample size from diverse areas in the US and beyond demonstrates the ability of a remotely delivered wellness program to empower, enlighten and encourage participants.