title: Pilot study of participating in a fatigue management programme for clients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of participating in a community-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight people with MS who participated in an 8-week community-based fatigue management programme were interviewed using a semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol. Data were analysed using constant comparative analysis informed by a phenomenological perspective.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants experienced ownership, active participation and empowerment. Participants' fatigue was legitimised and validated, and participants described a shared experience and shared voice. Outcomes identified by participants included: lifestyle and occupational changes, altered thinking about fatigue and the development of social supports.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants' experience of the community-based fatigue management programme was described in positive terms with unanticipated benefits and outcomes described.
authors.affiliation: Brothers of Charity (Southern Service), Lota, Glanmire, Ireland. frantwomey@eircom.net
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Twomey
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D019468:Disease Management; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support