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Exploring strategies used following a group-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (FACETS) via the Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ)

Thomas, S.; Kersten, P.; Thomas, P. W.; Slingsby, V.; Nock, A.; Jones, R.; Smith, A. Davies; Galvin, K. T.; Baker, R.; Hillier, C.

Authors

S. Thomas

P. Kersten

P. W. Thomas

V. Slingsby

A. Nock

R. Jones

A. Davies Smith

K. T. Galvin

R. Baker

C. Hillier



Abstract

Objectives: To explore cross-sectional patterns of use of fatigue management strategies in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had attended a groupbased fatigue management programme, Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to lifeStyle ('FACETS'). In a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) the FACETS programme was shown to reduce fatigue severity and improve self-efficacy and quality of life. Design: A questionnaire substudy within a RCT involving the self-completed Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ). The FMSQ includes: (1) closed questions about the use and helpfulness of fatigue management strategies taught in FACETS and (2) open items about changes to lifestyle, attitudes or expectations, barriers or difficulties encountered and helpful strategies not covered in FACETS. Participants: All had a clinical diagnosis of MS, significant fatigue, were ambulatory and had attended at least 4 of 6 scheduled FACETS sessions. Methods: Participants (n=72) were posted the FMSQ with a prepaid return envelope 4 months after the end of the FACETS programme. Results: 82% (59/72) of participants returned the FMSQ. The fatigue management strategies most frequently used since attending FACETS were prioritisation (80%), pacing (78%), saying no to others (78%), grading tasks (75%) and challenging unhelpful thoughts (71%). Adding in those participants who were already using the respective strategies prior to FACETS, the three most used strategies at 4 months were prioritisation (55/59), grading (54/59) and pacing (53/58). Free-text comments illustrated the complex interplay between attitudes/expectations, behaviours, emotions and the environment. Issues related to expectations featured strongly in participants' comments. Expectations (from self and others) were both facilitators and barriers to effective fatigue management. Conclusions: Individuals' comments highlighted the complex, multifaceted nature of fatigue management. Revising expectations and a greater acceptance of fatigue were important shifts following the programme. Findings support the relevance of a cognitive behavioural approach for fatigue management. Booster sessions might be a useful addition to the FACETS programme.

Citation

Thomas, S., Kersten, P., Thomas, P. W., Slingsby, V., Nock, A., Jones, R., …Hillier, C. (2015). Exploring strategies used following a group-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (FACETS) via the Fatigue Management Strategies Questionnaire (FMSQ). BMJ open, 5(10), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008274

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 15, 2015
Online Publication Date Oct 20, 2015
Publication Date Oct 20, 2015
Deposit Date Dec 15, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal BMJ open
Print ISSN 2044-6055
Electronic ISSN 2044-6055
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Issue 10
Article Number ARTN e008274
Pages 1-9
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008274
Keywords Fatigue management, Multiple sclerosis
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/382658
Publisher URL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/10/e008274.full
Additional Information Copy of article first published in: BMJ open, 2015, v.5, issue 10

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Copyright Statement
This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/




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