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Patient education program to enhance decision autonomy in multiple sclerosis relapse management: a
S Köpke1, J Kasper, I Mühlhauser
1Unit of Health Sciences and Education, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. sascha.koepke@uni-hamburg.de
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 11, 2008
Summary
A patient education program empowered individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to make more autonomous decisions regarding relapse management, opting for oral corticosteroids or no treatment. This approach showed significant patient autonomy improvements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Clinical Neurology
- Patient Education
Background:
- Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses remains uncertain despite recommendations for high-dose intravenous corticosteroids.
- Alternative relapse management strategies, including oral corticosteroids or no treatment, are considered justifiable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a patient education program designed to increase patient involvement in multiple sclerosis relapse management decisions.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients with relapsing MS across three German centers.
- Intervention group received a 4-hour group education session; control group received a standard information leaflet.
- Primary outcome: proportion of relapses managed with oral or no corticosteroids, indicating patient autonomy.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significantly higher proportion of relapses treated with oral or no corticosteroids (78%) compared to the control group (56%).
- Patients in the intervention group reported significantly higher perceived autonomy in treatment decision-making.
- Quality of life, disability status, and adverse events did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- Patient education programs can significantly enhance autonomous decision-making in individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
- These programs facilitate meaningful changes in relapse management practices, prioritizing patient autonomy.