One hundred and twenty seven people with MS responded to the survey, all of them have participated or are currently participating in a rehabilitation programme (i.e. a programme that is based on evaluation and recommendations by a rehabilitation professional).
Respondents reported that they accessed rehabilitation via both out-patient centres and clinics or through in-home rehabilitation programmes. Even though the programme could include a number of different interventions, the most commonly reported areas were physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Respondents accessed social or rehabilitative nursing, cognitive re-training and vocational rehabilitation less frequently, perhaps indicating that the main focus of rehabilitation programmes continues to be primarily the physical aspects of MS.
The box provides details on the interventions most frequently accessed by respondents. Symptom management was the topic discussed most frequently during rehabilitation, while issues such as housing, driving, relationships and financial planning received less attention.
Although many experts would agree that taking part in a rehabilitation programme is an important part of the overall management of MS, consistent follow-up may be helpful in adjusting the programme according to the person’s changing needs. This seems to be an important area for improvement, since the majority of respondents reported that they did not receive any follow-up or on-going physical training. A majority of respondents felt that their rehabilitation programme was too brief and therefore not beneficial. Many reported that improperly managed fatigue during exercise, professionals lacking knowledge in MS and lack of benefit led to their dissatisfaction with rehabilitation overall.
The results show that although many people with MS do receive rehabilitation, it appears that it does not always meet their expectations. Studies that provide evidence for the most beneficial types, frequency and settings for rehabilitation could contribute to improving satisfaction.
Research in this field may also lead to the development of specific guidelines on rehabilitation in MS.
| Types of interventions | | Physiotherapy | 73% | | Occupational therapy | 34% | | Psychology | 17% | | Rehabilitation of bladder, bowel and sexual disorders | 10% | | Rehabilitation in speech, language and swallowing disorders | 6% | | Vocational rehabilitation | 6% | | Rehabilitation nursing | 6% | | Cognitive re-training | 4% | | Social nursing | 3% |
|
