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Dimensions of Health: Living Well with MS
Objectives: The objectives of the program were to increase participant knowledge, skills, and confidence in management of MS.
Methods: The participants of this program were MS patients who are members of the Salt Lake City National Multiple Sclerosis Society support group that voluntarily participated. Research data were gathered through focus group sessions and online surveys with the support group. Nurses at the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Clinic also provided primary date via interviews. There were six intervention sessions, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes each. The sessions focused on aspects of the seven dimensions of health. Topics covered were time management, physical activity, medications, nutrition, caregiver resources, stress management, and disability services. At each session, the participants set goals that were addressed in subsequent sessions. To encourage participation, incentives were provided at each session. Success of the program was determined via a post-test questionnaire.
Results: In a post-program evaluation survey in April 2018, results showed that 63.6% of the participants reported the program increased their knowledge of wellness strategies. The percentage of participants that reported learning one new skill from the program was 72.9%. It was also determined that 91% of participants reported feeling more confident in their ability to manage their overall wellness.
Conclusions: This program was successful in increasing participant knowledge, skills, confidence and resources for MS management. In conclusion, multi-dimensional wellness programs, such as this, can help to improve management of MS symptoms and overall quality of life.
References: National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Live Fully, Live Well”. (2017).