A Nurse-Led Telehealth Program to Improve Emotional Health in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many barriers to health care and participate in less health promotion activities than the general population. The current feasibility project was a trial implementation of an existing telehealth promotion program within a community neurology clinic with a single MS provider. The program comprised an initial face-to-face meeting followed by five scheduled telephone calls over a 12-week period. Progress was facilitated through motivational interviewing techniques and performed by a MS-certified nurse working as a nurse navigator in the clinic. Of 10 participants, nine (90%) showed overall progress toward their goals over 12 weeks. Within limits of a feasibility pilot, the program showed positive patient outcomes and was well received by participants and not a burden to clinic staff. The delivery model eliminates many barriers to care and increases patient satisfaction with the clinic while keeping costs to the clinic low. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(3), 31-37.].