Investigating the needs and wants of healthcare providers for promoting exercise in persons with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: We undertook a qualitative study that explored the needs of healthcare providers for promoting exercise behaviour among persons with mild or moderate multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: We used interpretive description methodology, and conducted semi-structured interviews with Neurologists (n = 13), occupational therapists (n = 10), physical therapists (n = 11), and nurses (n = 10). The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: We identified three themes with multiple subthemes regarding exercise promotion by healthcare providers. The first theme was “opportunities for exercise promotion” through the healthcare system, healthcare team, and clinical appointment. The second theme was “healthcare provider education” that included professional training, training among healthcare providers, and clear and defined exercise promotion protocols. The third theme was “patient tools/strategies” that should be delivered among persons with MS as part of the exercise prescription.Conclusions: Providers in MS healthcare consider the patient-provider interaction within the healthcare system, healthcare team, and clinical appointment as a novel opportunity for exercise promotion. Such an opportunity requires education of healthcare providers and provision of tools and strategies for exercise promotion among persons with MS.Implications for rehabilitationHealthcare providers are interested in and motivated for promoting exercise participation among persons with multiple sclerosis.Successful exercise promotion must consider opportunities at three different organisational levels, namely the healthcare system, the local healthcare team, and clinical appointment.Healthcare providers need further training for promoting exercise among persons with multiple sclerosis.The promotion of exercise among persons with multiple sclerosis will require resources and strategies that can be readily offered by providers.