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Randomized trial of a teleconference-delivered fatigue management program for people with multiple sclerosis

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posted on 2013-09-12, 00:00 authored by Marcia Finlayson, Katharine Preissner, Chi Cho, Matthew Plow
Background. Previous studies support the efficacy and effectiveness of face-to-face group-based fatigue management education for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, many people are unable to access these programs due to environmental barriers. Objectives. To test the efficacy and effectiveness of a group-based, teleconference-delivered fatigue management program for people with MS. Methods. A randomly allocated two-group time series design with a wait-list control group was used. One hundred and ninety participants were allocated (94 intervention, 96 wait list control). Primary outcomes (fatigue impact, fatigue severity, health-related quality of life [HRQoL]) were measured before, immediately after, at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post. Secondary outcome (self-efficacy) was measured at the same points. Effectiveness (intent-to-treat) and efficacy (per protocol) analyses were conducted. Results. The program was more effective and efficacious than control for reducing fatigue impact but not fatigue severity. Before and after comparisons with the pooled sample demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness for fatigue impact, fatigue severity, and 6 of 8 HRQoL dimensions. Changes were maintained for 6 months with small to moderate effect sizes. Conclusion. The results offer strong support for the viability of teleconference delivered fatigue management education for enabling people with MS to manage this disabling symptom.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Field-Initiated Research Grant, #H133G070006, awarded to Dr. Finlayson. Dr. Plow’s time on this project was supported by a Mentor-based Post-doctoral Fellowship from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MB009), awarded to Dr. Finlayson. The project is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00591721).

History

Publisher Statement

Post print version of article may differ from published version. The definitive version is available through SAGE Choice at DOI:10.1177/1352458511404272

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Language

  • en_US

issn

1477-0970

Issue date

2011-09-01

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