Experiences of disease-modifying treatments in patients with multiple sclerosis – a qualitative study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is an extensive and growing body of knowledge regarding disease-modifying treatment (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) regarding their effects, impact on functioning and potential side-effects. Few studies have, however, investigated the patients' perspectives regarding their experiences of DMT in daily life. AIM: To investigate and describe the experience of DMT in the daily lives of patients with MS. METHODS: A qualitative design was applied using semi-structured interviews with eight patients with MS on different types of DMT. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the analysis; Fulfilled expectations in the light of previous treatments, Continuous need for treatment and side effect management, and Need for personalized feedback from the MS care team. CONCLUSION: The patients' described experiences and hopes for personalized treatment plans, procedures, and feedback on DMT outcome implicate the need for further development of person-centred interventions. Development of such care interventions should consider the patients' perspectives on e.g., treatment preferences and procedures, social support, and the professionalism and expert-knowledge of MS care team professionals. The knowledge derived from this study may also inform the development of patient-reported experience- and outcome measures regarding daily life with DMT in MS.
Source: BMC Neurology
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
Funder: Karolinska Institutet
OpenAlex ID: W4417181538