Patient education programme on immunotherapy in multiple sclerosis (PEPIMS): a controlled rater-blinded study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Patient Education
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) management involves complex treatment decisions, particularly regarding disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
• Patients often require comprehensive information to make informed choices about their treatment.
• Rehabilitation settings offer a crucial opportunity to deliver patient-centered education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component, evidence-based education program on DMTs for individuals with MS.
• To assess the impact of the program on informed choice, risk knowledge, autonomy, and psychological well-being.

Main Methods:

• A controlled trial was conducted across three neurological rehabilitation centers, involving two consecutive patient cohorts.
• The intervention group (IG) received a six-hour nurse-led education program and brochure, while the control group (CG) received standard information.
• Informed choice, defined as adequate risk knowledge and attitude-uptake congruency, was the primary outcome.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated a significantly higher rate of informed choice (47% vs. 23%, P=0.004).
• Adequate risk knowledge was significantly improved in the IG immediately post-intervention (54% vs. 31%, P=0.007), though this effect diminished at six months.
• No significant differences were observed between groups regarding attitude towards DMTs, DMT status, autonomy preferences, or decisional conflict at six months.

Conclusions:

• Implementing an evidence-based education program on MS DMTs in rehabilitation settings effectively enhances informed patient choices.
• The findings highlight the importance of structured educational interventions in improving patient decision-making for chronic disease management.