Evaluating occupational performance coaching to support fatigue management for people with multiple sclerosis: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Self-directed fatigue management websites, like MS INFoRM, support individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The effectiveness of integrating personalized coaching with digital interventions for MS fatigue requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of incorporating one-on-one coaching sessions into the existing MS INFoRM website.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of this combined approach for managing fatigue in people with MS (PwMS).

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, parallel-group feasibility study involving 26 PwMS with severe fatigue.
• Intervention: Six coaching sessions plus website access vs. two phone calls plus website access over 3 months.
• Feasibility assessed by eligibility, consent, retention, and adherence rates; acceptability via qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• High retention (85%) and coaching adherence (86%) were observed.
• The intervention was well-received, with no adverse events reported.
• While trends favored the coaching group for self-efficacy and fatigue impact, differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Combining one-on-one coaching with web-based interventions is a feasible and acceptable approach for PwMS.
• This blended model warrants further exploration in larger-scale clinical trials for MS fatigue management.