Contributions
Abstract: EP1813
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - 33 Treatment of specific symptoms
Background: Approximately 50% of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) will develop secondary progressive MS (SPMS) within 15 years of disease onset. The transition phase is characterized by a period of diagnostic uncertainty that may last several years. Evidence about transition to SPMS is scarce.
Objectives: The 'Managing the Transition (ManTra)' project aims to develop and test a resource for people with SPMS. As a preparatory step, we aimed to perform a literature review.
Methods: A scoping review was performed to map the existing literature, using the Arksey & O'Malley framework. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google (selective search) from inception to 2017. Trial and dissertation registers were also searched for published and unpublished studies. We included primary research focused on the process of transition from RRMS to SPMS related to patients, carers or health professionals (HPs).
Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Of these, four (80%) were qualitative studies conducted in UK between 2013 and 2015, and one was a retrospective cohort study conducted in US in 2014, the latter aiming to characterize the transition to SPMS. The qualitative studies investigated the lived experience of adults with SPMS and documented views of carers and HPs during transition. Main themes identified pertained to reclassification of SPMS, and its consequences on patients, carers and HPs. Furthermore, possible strategies were identified to support these groups. The quality of reporting of the qualitative studies was good.
Conclusion: Despite the importance of this topic, only few research results have been published targeting the process of transition to SPMS, mainly focussing on qualitative studies. No interventions to empower and support patients, carers, and HPs are available and more research is needed to address this important issue. This scoping review will inform subsequent phases of the ManTra project.
Disclosure:
Conflicts of interest:
All the authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Source of funding:
The Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (FISM) funded the study (Grant No. 2015/R/22 to AS).
Abstract: EP1813
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Therapy - symptomatic - 33 Treatment of specific symptoms
Background: Approximately 50% of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) will develop secondary progressive MS (SPMS) within 15 years of disease onset. The transition phase is characterized by a period of diagnostic uncertainty that may last several years. Evidence about transition to SPMS is scarce.
Objectives: The 'Managing the Transition (ManTra)' project aims to develop and test a resource for people with SPMS. As a preparatory step, we aimed to perform a literature review.
Methods: A scoping review was performed to map the existing literature, using the Arksey & O'Malley framework. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google (selective search) from inception to 2017. Trial and dissertation registers were also searched for published and unpublished studies. We included primary research focused on the process of transition from RRMS to SPMS related to patients, carers or health professionals (HPs).
Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Of these, four (80%) were qualitative studies conducted in UK between 2013 and 2015, and one was a retrospective cohort study conducted in US in 2014, the latter aiming to characterize the transition to SPMS. The qualitative studies investigated the lived experience of adults with SPMS and documented views of carers and HPs during transition. Main themes identified pertained to reclassification of SPMS, and its consequences on patients, carers and HPs. Furthermore, possible strategies were identified to support these groups. The quality of reporting of the qualitative studies was good.
Conclusion: Despite the importance of this topic, only few research results have been published targeting the process of transition to SPMS, mainly focussing on qualitative studies. No interventions to empower and support patients, carers, and HPs are available and more research is needed to address this important issue. This scoping review will inform subsequent phases of the ManTra project.
Disclosure:
Conflicts of interest:
All the authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Source of funding:
The Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (FISM) funded the study (Grant No. 2015/R/22 to AS).