Effect of a Therapeutic Patient Education Program on the Quality of Life of People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND

Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) is complex, highlighting the need for structured therapeutic patient education (TPE) to improve quality of life (QOL) and help patients better manage daily challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured TPE program on QOL and, secondarily, to assess its effects on anxiety, depression, and MS-related knowledge among people with MS.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental before-and-after study included 164 people with MS who completed a TPE program. QOL was the primary outcome, measured with the MS Quality of Life54 (MSQOL-54). The secondary outcomes of level of anxiety, depression, and MS knowledge were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the MS Knowledge Questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months post intervention. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for analysis, with effect sizes calculated (r).

RESULTS

After the intervention, a significant improvement in the MSQOL-54 mental composite score was observed (P<.001) from 51.39 (IQR, 41.26-66.89) to 63.60 (IQR, 53.26-73.77), with a large effect size (r=0.54). No significant change was observed in the physical composite score, although the subscales of social function, health perception, and distress showed significant improvements (P<.05). Anxiety and depression scores decreased significantly (P<.001) from 9.00 (IQR, 7.00-10.00) to 5.00 (IQR, 2.00-7.00) (r=0.5) and from 7.00 (IQR, 4.00-8.00) to 5.00 (IQR, 3.00-6.00) (r= 0.55), respectively. MS knowledge scores improved significantly (P<.001) from 5.00 (IQR, 4.00-7.00) to 12.00 (IQR, 10.00-14.00) (r=0.61); these results suggested high effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a TPE program may be effective in improving mental QOL and MS-related knowledge as well as in reducing anxiety and depression in people with MS. Integrating and optimizing tailored TPE programs within continuous care is essential to maximize overall QOL benefits.