What do multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers perceive as unmet needs?
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a major impact on the physical, psychological and social life of patients and their families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different perceptions of patients and caregivers about management of MS, particularly about the same items, to gather information to ameliorate the care of patients.


METHODS
We evaluated what MS patients and caregivers perceive as unmet needs and compared patients' opinions with caregivers' opinions using a multidimensional questionnaire. The questionnaire was specifically designed for the study, taking into account different aspects of the global care perceived by patients and care givers, such as information about MS, medical treatment and rehabilitation, patients' relationships with medical staff and their psychological and social life.


RESULTS
We administered the questionnaire to 497 patients and 206 caregivers. Results showed that the majority of participants were satisfied with medical staff but expressed a desire that staff be more forthcoming with information about MS. As for medical treatment concerns, more patients found there to be useful a multidisciplinary approach than caregivers did. Both required psychological support for patients but patients felt a greater need for it at the time of diagnosis, whereas caregivers felt it was required post-diagnosis. Both reported significant strains on patient relationships at work but no effect on other social interactions.


CONCLUSIONS
A better understanding of MS patient needs, starting from the point of view of patients and caregivers, could have a great impact on quality of life and on management of the disease.
Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis, 2, Cagliari 09126, Italy. lorena.lorefice@hotmail.it.
Lorena
L
Lorefice
Gioia
G
Mura
Giulia
G
Coni
Giuseppe
G
Fenu
Claudia
C
Sardu
Jessica
J
Frau
Giancarlo
G
Coghe
Marta
M
Melis
Maria Giovanna
MG
Marrosu
Eleonora
E
Cocco
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult