Goals set after completing a teleconference-delivered program for managing multiple sclerosis fatigue

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Neuroscience
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Fatigue is a primary disabling symptom for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Effective self-management strategies, including goal setting, are crucial for managing MS-related fatigue.
• Understanding the types of goals set and their achievement rates can inform tailored interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the focus of goals set by individuals with MS post-fatigue management program.
• To evaluate the achievement of these self-set goals over time.
• To identify characteristics of achievable goals in MS fatigue management.

Main Methods:

• Participants with MS (N=81) from a teleconference-delivered fatigue management program set 485 goals.
• A subset of participants (N=64) rated the achievement of 284 goals at follow-up.
• Goal achievement was analyzed based on goal type and duration.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of the rated goals were achieved.
• Goals focused on instrumental activities of daily living were most commonly achieved.
• Short-term goals demonstrated higher achievement rates compared to long-term goals.

Conclusions:

• Goal setting is a vital skill for self-managing MS fatigue.
• Interventions should emphasize teaching and promoting effective goal-setting techniques.
• Focusing on instrumental activities and short-term objectives may enhance goal attainment in MS fatigue management.