The Feasibility of an Online Educational Lifestyle Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Analysis of Participant Semi-structured Interviews

Overview

Journal Digit Health

Specialty Medical Informatics

Date 2022 Sep 9

PMID 36081754

Authors

William Bevens

J Reece

P L Jelinek

T J Weiland

N Nag

S Simpson-Yap

K Gray

G A Jelinek

S L Neate

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of a multiple sclerosis online course (MSOC) via qualitative analysis of participant semi-structured interviews.

Methods: The MSOC was developed in two arms: intervention arm which contained evidence-based lifestyle modification recommendations, and standard-care arm which delivered information from MS websites reflecting standard advice. Participants were recruited via online advertisements, completed a baseline questionnaire, and randomised. Seven modules were delivered over six weeks. Course completers were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Within a qualitative paradigm, interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Fourteen of the 17 course completers were interviewed: 86% (12/14) female; mean age 50 years; residing in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, predominantly had relapsing-remitting MS, mean time from diagnosis 9.5 years, and patient-determined disease steps disability assessment distributed evenly across all three categories. Four themes were identified: 1) "Hearing our stories" (hope for the future, feeling represented, exploring the journey of others with MS, learning from diversity, and wanting to connect with others); 2) "Taking the plunge" (not wanting to be first, feelings of nervousness or reluctance and feeling confronted); 3) "The accessibility and safety of being online" (ease of access, going at your own pace, making it work and not letting others down); and 4) "unpacking the course" (ease of navigation, visuals, understandability, and length and timing).

Conclusion: Participants felt represented, found the course accessible and content was easy to understand. These experiences provide important insights and considerations for this digital health intervention.

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Study protocol for an online lifestyle modification education course for people living with multiple sclerosis: the multiple sclerosis online course (MSOC).

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Neate S, Bevens W, Jelinek P, Gray K, Weiland T, Nag N Front Public Health. 2022; 10:1022185.

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