Experiences of persons with multiple sclerosis of a collaborative care programme: A qualitative study

Abstract

AimThis study aimed to explain the experiences of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) about the collaborative care programme.DesignThis qualitative study was conducted from July 2021 to March 2022.MethodsWe conducted this study with individuals with MS who participated in the collaborative care programme in Hamadan, Iran. A purposive sampling with maximum variety was applied to recruit patients until data saturation. Eventually, 18 patients consented and were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. The transcriptions of audio‐checked interviews were analysed using a conventional content analysis approach of Graneheim and Lundman by MAXQDA 10, 2010 edition.ResultsThe study identified three main categories. that emerged from the participants' experiences of collaborative care: the ‘Beginning of Communication’, which included two subcategories, ‘Introduction and Acquaintance with Each Other’ and ‘Formation of Trust’; ‘Mutual Interaction’, which included three subcategories, ‘Dialogue’, ‘Mutual Goal Setting’ and ‘Mutual Agreement of Care Solutions’; and ‘Exchange of Targeted Behaviors’, which included six categories, Implementation of Strategies for ‘Nutritional Behaviors’, ‘Sleep and Rest’, ‘Constipation Relief’, ‘Promotion of Physical Activity and Exercise’, ‘Fatigue Reduction’ and ‘Stress Management’.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the statistically significant role of collaborative care in MS management. Utilizing these research findings can update the development of interventions based on collaborative care, which can provide appropriate support to individuals with MS.Patient or public contributionIndividuals with multiple sclerosis.

The role of multidisciplinary MS care teams in supporting lifestyle behaviour changes to optimise brain health among people living with MS: A qualitative exploration of clinician perspectives

“…Considering brain health is affected by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, interpersonal and contextual factors, 42 individuals should not be held entirely responsible, which may contribute to the perceived difficulties in enacting change in this context 43 . Interprofessional collaborative practice, as well as effective collaboration between healthcare professionals and plwMS, has been shown to facilitate consumer involvement in decision‐making, improved health outcomes, empowerment and security 44 . Therefore, clarification of roles and role boundaries between and within disciplines and delineation of responsibilities and skill sets within each MS care team should be clearly defined as a means to encourage collaborative practice 44 .…”

“…43 Interprofessional collaborative practice, as well as effective collaboration between healthcare professionals and plwMS, has been shown to facilitate consumer involvement in decision-making, improved health outcomes, empowerment and security. 44 Therefore, clarification of roles and role boundaries between and within disciplines and delineation of responsibilities and skill sets within each MS care team should be clearly defined as a means to encourage collaborative practice. 44 This may foster a more supportive environment for plwMS seeking a brain-healthy lifestyle.…”

“…44 Therefore, clarification of roles and role boundaries between and within disciplines and delineation of responsibilities and skill sets within each MS care team should be clearly defined as a means to encourage collaborative practice. 44 This may foster a more supportive environment for plwMS seeking a brain-healthy lifestyle. Lastly, the discordance in consumer healthcare messaging between disciplines is undoubtably an ongoing challenge for plwMS and may negatively contribute to the knowledge to action gap.…”