title: Randomized trial of a teleconference-delivered fatigue management program for people with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies support the efficacy and effectiveness of face-to-face group-based fatigue management education for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, many people are unable to access these programs due to environmental barriers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test the efficacy and effectiveness of a group-based, teleconference-delivered fatigue management program for people with MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomly allocated two-group time series design with a wait-list control group was used. In total 190 participants were allocated (94 intervention, 96 wait-list control). Primary outcomes (fatigue impact, fatigue severity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL)) were measured before, immediately after, at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post. Secondary outcome (self-efficacy) was measured at the same points. Effectiveness (intent-to-treat) and efficacy (per protocol) analyses were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The program was more effective and efficacious than control for reducing fatigue impact but not fatigue severity. Before and after comparisons with the pooled sample demonstrated efficacy and effectiveness for fatigue impact, fatigue severity, and 6 of 8 HRQOL dimensions. Changes were maintained for 6 months with small to moderate effect sizes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results offer strong support for the viability of teleconference-delivered fatigue management education for enabling people with MS to manage this disabling symptom.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7250, USA. marciaf@uic.edu
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Finlayson
authors.forename: Katharine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Preissner
authors.forename: Chi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017216:Telemedicine; D016896:Treatment Outcome