Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis: experiences of support
L P McKeown1, A P Porter-Armstrong, G D Baxter
1Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, BT36 OQB, Northern Ireland, UK. lp.mckeown@ulster.ac.uk
The aim of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of a group of caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixteen caregivers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participated in focus group interviews. The theme of support, either sought or received, emerged as a major aspect of the experiences described. Caregivers' feelings about, and experiences of, support appeared to change over time. Four common phases that caregivers experienced in relation to support were identified as: 'rejecting', 'resisting, 'seeking' and 'accepting' support. This paper will present and discuss these four phases. The study findings highlight the complexity of issues surrounding a caregiver's decision to seek and accept support. It is hoped that the phases identified within this study are useful in depicting how caregivers of people with MS may progress through stages in their desire for, and acceptance of support. Findings from this study are useful to healthcare professionals who work with people with MS and their caregivers by increasing awareness that a caregiver's attitude toward and acceptance of support changes over time.
The aim of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of a group of caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixteen caregivers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participated in focus group interviews. The theme of support, either sought or received, emerged as a major aspect of the experiences described. Caregivers' feelings about, and experiences of, support appeared to change over time. Four common phases that caregivers experienced in relation to support were identified as: 'rejecting', 'resisting, 'seeking' and 'accepting' support. This paper will present and discuss these four phases. The study findings highlight the complexity of issues surrounding a caregiver's decision to seek and accept support. It is hoped that the phases identified within this study are useful in depicting how caregivers of people with MS may progress through stages in their desire for, and acceptance of support. Findings from this study are useful to healthcare professionals who work with people with MS and their caregivers by increasing awareness that a caregiver's attitude toward and acceptance of support changes over time.
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
