This project aims to implement and investigate a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The main objective is to implement MBSR intervention for PwMS in a major tertiary care clinic for PwMS. We will iteratively refine the intervention as required based on stakeholder feedback and any other emergent contextual findings. Participants will be asked to take part in an 8-week MBSR course and report changes in anxiety, depression, quality of life, emotional regulation, self-compassion, mindfulness, and health services use.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
Eight iterations of the MBSR course will be delivered, over a total period of 24 months. Each iteration will take place over 8 weeks. Courses would consist of 8 weekly sessions, led by certified mindfulness instructors. Sessions will include core meditation practices, psychoeducation, and home practices.
St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Canada
Recruitment
The investigators will measure the number of participants eligible for and recruited to the study.
Time frame: 24 months
Retention
The investigators will measure the percentage of participants who complete outcome data.
Time frame: 24 months
Adherence
The investigators will measure the number of participants who completed the mindfulness-based stress reduction course.
Time frame: 24 months
Follow-up rates
The investigators will measure the percentage of participants who complete outcome measures pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3 months post-intervention.
Time frame: 24 months
Quality of Life using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29)
Measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Items on the scale have a Likert scale from 1-5, with a range of 0-100 total and higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Quality of Life using the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L)
Measured using the EQ-5D-5L. The total score ranges from 1-100, with higher values indicating better perceived health.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Anxiety
Measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The total score ranges from 0-21, with higher values representing increased anxiety symptoms.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Depression
Measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The total score ranges from 0-21, with higher values representing increased anxiety symptoms.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Health services use
Measured using the Client Services Receipt Inventory. This instrument is used to collect information on the use of health services.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Emotion regulation
Measured using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form. Answers are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher values indicate greater difficulties in emotion regulation.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Self-compassion
Measured using the Self-Compassion Scale - Short Form. The total score ranges from a 1-5 Likert scale, with higher scores representing high self-compassion.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Mindfulness
Measured using the Five-facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Answers are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores in each facet indicate higher levels of mindfulness.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Climate
Measured using the Group Climate Questionnaire-Engage Scale. Each item response is measured on a Likert scale from 0-6, with total subscale scores reflecting the average of responses. Higher scores indicate higher group engagement.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Therapeutic alliance
Measured using the Working Alliance Inventory. Each item is measured on a 7-point Likert scale, with a range of 36-252 total. Higher scores indicates stronger alliance.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Sleep
Measured using the Insomnia Severity Index. The total score ranges from 0-28, with higher scores indicating worse insomnia.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Pain Effects
Measured using the Pain Effects Scale. The total score ranges from 6-30, with higher scores indicating greater impact of pain on behavior and mood.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Fatigue
Measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. The total score ranges from 0-84, with higher scores indicating a greater impact of fatigue.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
Cognitive function
Measured using the Symbol Digits Modalities Test. The total score ranges from 0-110, with higher scores indicating better cognitive functioning.
Time frame: Measured at baseline, 8-week follow-up, and 3-month follow-up
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