The Effect of Patient-Centered Empowerment Program Through Telenursing on Self-Management in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Bayat F¹ ; Negarandeh R² ; Pashaeypoor S¹ Show Affiliations
Source: BMC Neurology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that presents individuals with various caregiving challenges, making their empowerment based on their real needs essential. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a patient-centered empowerment program through telenursing on the self-management of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Methods: The present study was a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted on 90 PwMS attending MS Society using a convenience sampling method with random block allocation. The inclusion criteria were a definite diagnosis of MS for at least 6 months, age range of 18 to 60 years, ability to use a telephone and smartphone, no other physical or mental illnesses, and no cognitive or psychological disorders based on self-report and patient records. Additionally, the participants who were not able to continue the intervention due to reasons such as fatigue, unwillingness, or hospitalization could not follow the study. The tools used included a demographic questionnaire and the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale (Healthcare Provider Relationship and Communication, Treatment Adherence/Barriers, Social/Family Support, MS Knowledge and Information, and Health Maintenance Behavior). The research intervention involved providing an empowerment program through 5 telenursing sessions over 4 weeks, with the number of sessions varying based on each person’s needs. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26. Results: In this study, data from 90 individuals with MS were analyzed. Findings indicated that the majority of the study participants were female (62.2%) and married (55.6%). The results indicated no significant differences in the mean scores of self-management and its relevant subscales, between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the mean scores showed a significant difference in the intervention group compared to the control group in terms of self-management index (91.62 ± 11.14 vs. 88.51 ± 11.27), and subscales of MS Knowledge and Information (15.82 ± 1.28 vs. 14.89 ± 2.4) and Health Maintenance Behavior (15.27 ± 2.87 vs. 14.84 ± 3.37) (P < 0.05). The calculated effect size indicates a medium effect (Cohen’s d = 0.56). Conclusion: Empowering PwMS, focusing on their unique needs and delivering it through telenursing, can be an effective method in enhancing their self-management capabilities. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare providers in chronic diseases prioritize patient empowerment based on individual needs. Clinical trial registration: This research was registered (13-09-2021) in the https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir with registration number: IRCT20210824052281N1. © The Author(s) 2025.