To develop and evaluate a fatigue management programme
Poole Hospital/Bournemouth University
Over 60% of people with MS experience severe fatigue, many on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a fatigue management programme specifically for people with MS which addressed psychological aspects of fatigue as well as physical factors.
In the first phase of this project, the researchers developed a manual and other materials to support a six session fatigue management programme combining both cognitive behaviour therapy and energy saving strategies.
In the second phase, the fatigue management programme was tested. The course was run twice with 16 people taking part in total. Participants were assessed for fatigue, quality of life and self efficacy (ie believing you can do something) 1 week before and 4 weeks after the course. They were also asked to evaluate the programme, resulting in some fine-tuning of the course.
Feedback suggested that the programme was well received by participants and this was reflected in high attendance rates and positive ratings on the session evaluation questionnaires. Despite the small numbers taking part, at 4 week follow-up there were significant improvements in levels of perceived self efficacy and a trend towards significance for a reduction of anxiety.
A report of these two phases has been prepared and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
A third phase will examine whether the programme can be run satisfactorily in other centres and collect data in preparation for a randomised clinical trial.
