Supportive and palliative care needs identified by multiple sclerosis patients and their families.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the supportive needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families. DESIGN, SAMPLE AND METHOD: In-depth interviews were carried out with people living with MS in the community, their family members and health professionals. The data were transcribed verbatim and recurring themes identified.


RESULTS
The analysis of interviews revealed four themes: disbelief and devastation; losses and forced life choices; tracking down services and information; and sadness and relief.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the duration, range of symptoms and distress often associated with MS, the findings of this research raise the important question of the role of palliative services in supporting the person with MS and his/her family.
Griffith University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook 4131, Queensland. j.wollin@griffith.edu.au
Judy Ann
JA
Wollin
Patsy M
PM
Yates
Linda J
LJ
Kristjanson
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011793:Queensland; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology; D014739:Victoria; D014904:Western Australia