Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system mainly of adults ranging from 20 to 45 years of age. The risk of developing MS is 50% higher in women than in men. Most people with MS (PwMS) experience a spectrum of symptoms such as spasticity, continence dysfunctions, fatigue, or neurobehavioral manifestations. Due to the complexity of MS and the variety of patient-centered needs, a comprehensive approach of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) of multiple health care professionals (HCP) is necessary. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of IPC in the comprehensive care of PwMS from a HCP perspective. Focus groups (FG) with HCP were conducted, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The sample contained HCP from three MS clinics in different phases of care and rehabilitation. Four main categories emerged: (a) experience with IPC, (b) relevant aspects for IPC in patients’ treatment, (c) differences in in- and outpatient settings, and (d) influence of patient perspective. IPC plays a crucial role in HCP perspective when treating PwMS, which can benefit from an IPC therapeutic approach because HCP work together in a patient-centered way. The inpatient setting of HCP strongly supports the implementation of IPC. This prerequisite does not exist in outpatient settings.
Highlights
Worldwide, 2.5 million people have been diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS) [1]
Three focus groups were conducted with 13 health care professionals represented by six PTs, four occupational therapists (OT), and three speech and language therapists (SLT) in three German-speaking neuro-rehabilitation centers from July 2018 to April 2019
On the one hand, ‘What is the health care professionals’ perspective regarding the meaning of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in a comprehensive health care of people with MS (PwMS)’? The findings suggest that IPC plays a crucial role in specific inpatient
Summary
2.5 million people have been diagnosed with MS [1]. In Switzerland around 15,000 people are affected, mainly adults between 20 and 45 years. The risk of developing MS is 50% higher in women than in men [2]. The diagnosis of MS changes a life fundamentally and often requires a restructuring of life. MS is a chronic disease that represents an irreversible presence of disease conditions or damage of the nervous system. In order to promote self-sufficiency, maintain functional ability and prevent further disabilities, the entire environment of the person is rearranged [3] and people-centered care is needed. Rehabilitation is a people-centered health strategy with a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability of patients.
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