Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that breaks down the myelin sheath of the axon in nerves, causing symptoms of debilitating fatigue, pain, decreased mobility and strength and cognition, among other symptoms. One of the most common symptoms reported by persons with MS (PwMS) is fatigue, and many PwMS attribute their early departure from the workforce, withdrawal from valued occupations, and inability to complete ADLs to this debilitating fatigue.
Purpose: The goal of the critically appraised topic was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions which may include energy conservation, compensation techniques, or pain reducing modalities as evidenced by reduction of symptoms and increased participation related to multiple sclerosis for PwMS.
Methods: The methods included completing a literature review using the inclusion criteria to gather information on MS and various treatments for the disease. Next, an evidence table was completed to condense applicable articles related to topic and synthesis information gathered. The critically appraised topic was then completed to further narrow and condense articles with a final critically appraised topic for further review of applicable articles.
Results: Results of the research were not homogenous. Five studies of Level 1B and one study of level 2B research completed revealed that education on energy conservation techniques and fatigue management can be beneficial for reducing fatigue and increasing participation in daily life activities for adults with MS. Group telehealth sessions focused on educating patients on energy conservation techniques showed that they reduced their overall levels of fatigue as well.