[Coping training for patients with multiple sclerosis. Evaluation from a neurologic standpoint].

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a challenging disease for patients, the social environment, and therapists. We analysed how coping training and compliance of MS patients are assessed by neurologists in private practice.

METHOD

One thousand five hundred and seventy-five neurologists in private practice were asked to fill in short, standardised, anonymous questionnaires concerning number of MS patients treated per year, experience with coping training methods, assessments of requirements, aims, location, and suitable trainer, financial aspects of coping training, assessment of patient compliance concerning immunomodulating therapies, and possibilities of increasing compliance.

RESULTS

The response rate was 25.7% (404 questionnaires). Of these, 344 (21.8%) could be included in the analysis. Many neurologists had no experience with coping training methods but saw a reasonable demand, especially for newly diagnosed MS patients, those with psychological problems, and for their relatives. Most of them would like to provide such training themselves in their own locations. Useful aims of coping training included reduction of anxiety, uncertainty, and depression and increased patient compliance and well-being. They proposed that coping training should mainly be financed by health care insurers and patients. Neurologists assessed the compliance of MS patients concerning immunomodulating therapies as being moderate to high. Increased compliance was understood as better doctor-patient conversations, involvement of MS nurses, and support from self-help groups.

CONCLUSION

There is a reasonable need of coping training for MS patients that is also seen by privately practicing neurologists, the main therapists for MS patients. The selection of adequate and scientifically reliable training should be improved. Thus coping with the disease, compliance, and well-being can all be improved.