Teleconferencing for fatigue managment in MS patients
Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that challenges patients in their daily activities.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago compared teleconference to face-to-face, group-based fatigue self-management. The results were reported during the Joint Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and America’s Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis meeting.
First, the details.
- 190 patients, average of 55 years old and 15 years with MS, were randomly assigned to treatment group.
- The teleconference group: 70-minute sessions weekly for 6 weeks, delivered by an occupational therapist.
- Control group that received no therapy
- Training focused on the strategic use of rest; communication; activity analysis and modification; and setting priorities about energy use.
- Patients received a telephone headset and a training manual, and called a toll-free number.
- Teleconferences consisted of a discussion led by a therapist.
- Patients received homework for the next session.
- Outcome measures included the Fatigue Impact Scale and the Short Form Health Status Survey (SF-36).
- Patients were evaluated before and after the study, and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months later.
And, the results.
- Fatigue severity improved in both groups.
- Treatment also improved physical health immediately after the study, and mental health by 6 weeks.
- On average, the positive response to teleconferencing was maintained 3 and 6 months after completing the program.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “A group-based, teleconference-delivered fatigue-management program can reduce the impact of fatigue and improve some aspects of quality of life immediately post-intervention. On average, these effects can be maintained over a 6-month follow-up.”
Another advantage of teleconferencing is that it makes a healthcare professional available to patients who might otherwise not benefit from counseling.
6/30/10 11:40 JR
