Education and self-management of interferon beta-1b therapy for multiple sclerosis

A teaching program (Betaseron Instruction) for patients beginning interferon beta-1b therapy was developed at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri according to Bandura's theory of self-efficacy. Then, a study was conducted to determine attitudes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) about interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) therapy and evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching program. In that program, teaching skills mastery and the use of modeling and persuasion were used in curriculum development. A survey questionnaire in which information about the patients' evaluation of interferon beta-1b therapy effects was mailed to 60 patients who had participated in the teaching program between December, 1993 and October 1994. Thirty surveys were completed and returned. The mean age of participants was 42 years; 22% were men and 78% were women. The mean duration of therapy for the study participants was 10.5 weeks. Qualitative content analysis and tabulation of the one scaled question from the 30 completed surveys were performed to obtain outcome measurements of cognitive goals and determine the level of self-management of therapy. Responses regarding feelings about therapy, the benefits of the teaching program, confidence in performing skills that resulted from the use of interferon beta-1b therapy, adverse effects produced by the medication and quality of life issues were evaluated. The effectiveness of the Betaseron Instruction program and the importance of access to support systems from peers and healthcare professionals were validated by patient responses. The role of the nurse in patient teaching and the provision of support were indicated to be essential to a positive outcome in all of the patient surveys submitted.