Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the current research was to review the lived experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to extrapolate the psychological process of adaptation.
Methods: A thematic synthesis was undertaken within 3 phases: systematic search for literature, critical appraisal of included studies and synthesis of research.
Results: A total of 47 studies were included in this review, this included 1146 (812 females, 265 males, and 69 unknown) unique patients with MS (aggregated mean age: 49.3 years [30/47 studies], aggregated time with illness: 12.3 years
[28/47 studies]). The critical appraisal of research illustrated that the design of the studies and the reference to reflexivity in studies were not well considered. The synthesis was able to identify a primary response of psychological adaptation as well as distinct coping strategies. A model of emotion, hope, and adjustment was identified.
Conclusion: Simple processes of adaptation for
people with MS can be considered by clinicians and utilised to promote mental well-being in patients. Clinicians and researchers also need to be aware of the important psychological needs of patients during interactions. Discussion and clinical implications are provided.
Methods: A thematic synthesis was undertaken within 3 phases: systematic search for literature, critical appraisal of included studies and synthesis of research.
Results: A total of 47 studies were included in this review, this included 1146 (812 females, 265 males, and 69 unknown) unique patients with MS (aggregated mean age: 49.3 years [30/47 studies], aggregated time with illness: 12.3 years
[28/47 studies]). The critical appraisal of research illustrated that the design of the studies and the reference to reflexivity in studies were not well considered. The synthesis was able to identify a primary response of psychological adaptation as well as distinct coping strategies. A model of emotion, hope, and adjustment was identified.
Conclusion: Simple processes of adaptation for
people with MS can be considered by clinicians and utilised to promote mental well-being in patients. Clinicians and researchers also need to be aware of the important psychological needs of patients during interactions. Discussion and clinical implications are provided.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 22-47 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Journal | Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation |
| Volume | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Feb 2016 |
Keywords
- Qualitative
- Meta-synthesis
- Adaptation
- Hope
- Neurology
- Multiple Sclerosis