Experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis with rehabilitation-a qualitative interview study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis with rehabilitation-a qualitative interview study

AU - Ghaidar, Donya

AU - Sippel, Anna

AU - Riemann-Lorenz, Karin

AU - Kofahl, Christopher

AU - Morrison, Rebecca

AU - Kleiter, Ingo

AU - Schmidt, Stephan

AU - Dettmers, Christian

AU - Schulz, Holger

AU - Heesen, Christoph

N1 - © 2022. The Author(s).

PY - 2022/6/11

Y1 - 2022/6/11

N2 - BACKGROUND: Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) includes different treatment approaches. Rehabilitation is a key strategy in MS for improving functioning, activity and participation. As part of a larger study on overall patient experiences with different treatment approaches, this study aims to give an overview of different patients' experiences and perspectives on inpatient rehabilitation in MS.METHODS: We conducted problem-centered interviews in 50 persons with MS in Germany, of whom most had relapsing-remitting MS. We used the maximum variation sampling method during recruitment. Data were analyzed thematically.RESULTS: As a result of the analysis, three major themes were identified: 1) factors contributing to the decision-making concerning rehabilitation, 2) experience with the rehabilitation setting, 3) benefits of rehabilitation treatments. The treating physicians' attitude had a major impact on the decision to either opt for rehabilitation or not. Setting goals prior to rehabilitation was given a high priority. Exchanging experiences with other persons with MS presented a major benefit from rehabilitation while for some being separated from regular daily life resulted in a more ambiguous attitude ranging from appreciation of escaping daily hassles to substantial behavioral change management.CONCLUSION: Patients reported various experiences in the process of decision-making with regard to rehabilitation. Physicians´ advice, goal setting and the selection of the most suitable rehabilitation clinic were considered most relevant.

AB - BACKGROUND: Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) includes different treatment approaches. Rehabilitation is a key strategy in MS for improving functioning, activity and participation. As part of a larger study on overall patient experiences with different treatment approaches, this study aims to give an overview of different patients' experiences and perspectives on inpatient rehabilitation in MS.METHODS: We conducted problem-centered interviews in 50 persons with MS in Germany, of whom most had relapsing-remitting MS. We used the maximum variation sampling method during recruitment. Data were analyzed thematically.RESULTS: As a result of the analysis, three major themes were identified: 1) factors contributing to the decision-making concerning rehabilitation, 2) experience with the rehabilitation setting, 3) benefits of rehabilitation treatments. The treating physicians' attitude had a major impact on the decision to either opt for rehabilitation or not. Setting goals prior to rehabilitation was given a high priority. Exchanging experiences with other persons with MS presented a major benefit from rehabilitation while for some being separated from regular daily life resulted in a more ambiguous attitude ranging from appreciation of escaping daily hassles to substantial behavioral change management.CONCLUSION: Patients reported various experiences in the process of decision-making with regard to rehabilitation. Physicians´ advice, goal setting and the selection of the most suitable rehabilitation clinic were considered most relevant.

KW - Germany

KW - Humans

KW - Multiple Sclerosis

KW - Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Research Design

U2 - 10.1186/s12913-022-08150-8

DO - 10.1186/s12913-022-08150-8

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 35690766

VL - 22

JO - BMC HEALTH SERV RES

JF - BMC HEALTH SERV RES

SN - 1472-6963

IS - 1

M1 - 770

ER -