Article

Fatigue management interventions for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)
often feature structured programmes requiring repeated, in-person attendance that
is not possible for all individuals. We sought to determine whether MS INFoRm, a
self-directed fatigue management resource for individuals with MS, was worth
further, more rigorous evaluation. Our indicators of worthiness were actual use
of the resource by participants over 3 months, reductions in fatigue impact and
increases in self-efficacy, and participant reports of changes in fatigue
management knowledge and behaviours. This was a single-group, mixed-methods,
before-after pilot study in individuals with MS reporting mild to moderate
fatigue. Thirty-five participants were provided with MS INFoRm by a USB flash
drive to use at home for 3 months, on their own volition. Twenty-three
participants completed all standardized questionnaires, semi-structured
interviews and study process measures. Participants reported actively using MS
INFoRm over the 3-month study period (median total time spent using MS INFoRm=315
min) as well as significantly lower overall fatigue impact (Modified Fatigue
Impact Scale: t=2.6, P=0.01), increased knowledge of MS fatigue (z=-2.8, P=0.01)
and greater confidence in managing MS fatigue (z=-3.3, P=0.001). Individuals with
significant reductions in fatigue impact also reported behavioural changes
including tracking fatigue, better communication with others, greater awareness,
improved quality of life and being more proactive. This study provides evidence
that further rigorous evaluation of MS INFoRm, a self-directed resource for
managing fatigue, is worth pursuing.

Langue : ANGLAIS