The experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic diseases that involves central nervous system and often affects young adults in the prime of life. MS isn't curable and makes the patients disable. It affects the patients' and their families' lives and disturbs their life styles in different ways. There are highly variable and unpredictable changes in MS course and it is one of the most life-altering diseases. It strikes in the prime of life and makes frequent incurable progressive disabilities. Because MS is such a complex, multifaceted disorder, nurses who care for people with MS are faced with numerous clinical changes. Therefore, well-­informed nurses can evaluate and explain the disease process and help the patients to improve the quality of life of patients with MS.

Methods: The qualitative phenomenological research was employed. There were participants chosen amongst the patients referred to Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society. The sampling method was purposeful and continued until data saturation. A total of 14 participants were chosen in the end. The data were collected by in-depth interviews and data analysis was done by Colaizzi method.

Results: The findings of this study showed four core concepts expressing participants' experiences including physical experiences of the disease, spiritual experiences of the disease, psychological experiences of the disease and social experiences of the disease.

Conclusion: Patients with MS experience psycho-spiritual, social and physical problems in their lives. Nurses' appropriate understanding of these problems can make a suitable rehabilitation plan for the patients and their families. Consideration of the above issues is suggested to be applied in educational planning for nurses.