Multiple sclerosis self-management model: Personal and contextual requirements for successful self-management

To explore self-management strategies used by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with aim of developing a MS self-management model.

A grounded theory approach guided development of a MS self-management model. Eighteen individuals living with MS for three or more years and self-identifying as successfully managing their MS were interviewed twice using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews six months apart. Demographic and disease characteristics were descriptively analyzed. Field notes and interview data were qualitatively analyzed to identify concepts and categories.

The emerging model revealed six person-related categories describing self-management strategies: adjusting outlook, managing stress, managing symptoms, healthy lifestyle, effective communication, and setting priorities and planning. Three context-related categories that required successful navigation for self-management were also identified: physical environment, personal social network, and community services and resources.

The emerging self-management model that is grounded in the perspective of people with MS includes person and context-related strategies that can be used concurrently to guide self-management in the variety of challenges experienced by people with MS.

A self-management model of MS is useful to service providers, health professionals, advocacy organizations and people with MS to draw upon an organized and comprehensive approach to self-management.