ECTRIMS eLearning

Abstract: EP1466

Type: ePoster

Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Neuropsychology

The aim of this first time made study in Poland, was to identify the most important psychological and psychosocial needs of patients with Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) and their significant others.

Method: a patient-derived needs-assessment quantitative questionnaire developed from focus groups and consisting of 20 needs statements was administered in 7 MS Centers to 568 MS patients ( 347 women, 221 man ) and 220 significant others. The mean patients age was 42,61years, and mean MS duration 9.43 years. Respondents were asked to rank the needs statements according to level of importance on a ten-point, Likert-type scale from 1 - not important to 10 - very important. The needs survey questionnaire was similar for MS patients and significant others. Analysis produced rankings of the most important needs of both groups. Differences between the needs of MS patients, and significant others were compared by using descriptive statistics for means (Student´s t test), and proportions (chi-square test).

Results: the 5 most important needs in patient group was:

1. to feel needed and efficient in life,

2. to have easy access to professional rehabilitation,

3. to be sure that doctors are interested in my condition,

4. to have support and help of family and friends in important life matters,

5. to have good living conditions.

The 5 most important needs in significant others group was:

1. to know that relative/friend´s feels needed and efficient in life,

2.to have good living conditions,

3.to be sure that doctors are interested in my relative/friend´s condition,

4. to feel that my relative/friend´s undergoes regular check-ups at MS clinic,

5. to be sure that MS clinic are interested in my relative/friend"s condition.

Conclusions: needs by the MS patients and significant others were similar. The data validate the importance of interdisciplinary care for the MS population.

Disclosure:

A.Potemkowski discloser no conflict of interst.

A.Ratajczak discloser no conflict of interst.

M.Ratajczak discloser no conflict of interst.

A.Stepien discloser no conflict of interst.

A.Gocyla-Dudar discloser no conflict of interst.

M.Kowalewski discloser no conflict of interst.

M.Lewita discloser no conflict of interst.

J.Zaborski discloser no conflict of interst.

H.Bartosik-Psujek discloser no conflict of interst.

K.Kapica-Topczewska discloser no conflict of interst.

W.Brola discloser no conflict of interst