Self care programs and multiple sclerosis: Physical therapeutics treatment – literature review




Abstract


Objective


To clarify the therapeutic education program impact with multiple sclerosis patients, literature review. Highlight contents and efficacy.


Method


A non-systematic review on Medline, PubMed and Cochrane library databases from 1966 to 2010 using the following keywords: “multiple sclerosis”, “self-care”, “self-management” and specific symptoms keywords. Clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, as well as literature reviews published in English, French and German will be analyzed.


Results


Counseling is a part of the non-pharmacological management of chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Symptoms’ diversity and the different clinical forms limit standardized programs of self-care management, applicable to patients. In the literature review, counseling programs have often low metrology. A behavior change with patients and medical staff could exist. To empower the patient, to reduce symptoms’ impact and to improve treatment access are the aims of educational therapy.


Conclusion


Therapeutic education program for multiple sclerosis patients could progress with their standardization and assessment, for each sign. To promote the educational therapy of multiple sclerosis patients, a specific training for medical staff, as specific financing are necessary.


Résumé


Objectifs


Mise au point sur les différents programmes d’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) retrouvés dans la littérature, chez des sujets ayant une sclérose en plaques. En vérifier le contenu et leur efficacité si elle a été étudiée.


Méthode


Revue non systématique de la littérature par recherche dans les bases de données Medline, PubMed et Cochrane Library de 1966 à 2010. Les mots clés étaient « multiple sclerosis », « self-care », « self-management » puis des mots clés adaptés au symptôme étudié. Les essais cliniques et les études en langue anglaise, française et allemande, ainsi que les revues de la littérature et les recommandations pour la pratique sont analysés.


Résultats


L’ETP est indispensable dans cette pathologie chronique. La multiplicité des symptômes et la diversité des formes cliniques limitent l’existence d’éducation « standardisée », applicable à chaque patient. Les programmes d’ETP retrouvés dans la littérature sont souvent de qualité méthodologique discutable. Un changement de comportement des soignants et des soignés a parfois été constaté. L’éducation a pour but d’autonomiser le patient, de diminuer le retentissement des symptômes, d’améliorer leur accès aux traitements.


Conclusion


L’ETP des patients ayant une SEP pourrait être améliorée par la standardisation et l’évaluation de programmes, spécifiques à chaque symptôme. Afin de promouvoir la prise en charge éducative des patients atteints de SEP, une formation spécifique des professionnels de santé, ainsi que des financements adaptés sont nécessaires.



English version



Introduction


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the second most frequent cause of disability in young people, after public way accidents. MS is a chronic, progressive condition that concerns 100,000 people in France, and has a non-negligible impact on the daily life. Symptoms are many and often associated: locomotor, sensitive, cognitive and voiding disturbances. To date, treatments aim at limiting exacerbations and progression of disability. MS management is relatively well codified and, because of multiplicity of symptoms, has an indisputable multidisciplinary approach.


The World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe has defined Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE). The aim of TPE is to train patients for they can hold appropriate know-how and reach equilibrium between daily life and optimum control of the disease (self-care and adaptation of these). TPE is a continuous process and is an integral part of the medical care. TPE includes sensitization, information, training and psychological counseling, which are all related to the disease and treatment. Education must also allow the patients and their family to become better collaborators for caregivers . So, in chronic conditions, TPE allows the patients to have a better knowledge of their disease and its management, and makes them actors of their health. Patients must participate to the educational diagnosis preceding the educational stage. Educational diagnosis allows identifying patients’ needs and expectations . The objectives of TPE include decrease in morbidity and/or in certain complications, and reduction of the personal or social impact of certain symptoms or deficiencies.


Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) is an integral part of the management of MS. PRM mainly includes cares, re-education, rehabilitation, prevention, therapeutic education and support for social rehabilitation. TPE is a mission of the follow-up care and rehabilitation units, in particular for those with neurological specialization. People with chronic disabilities, which can limit participation, turn to PRM, especially in institutions. In addition to physical care, the care and rehabilitation personnel of these units provide TPE messages for the patients become real participants of their health after discharge. The objective of TPE is acquisition by the patient of self-care and adaptation abilities. Certain self-care abilities are crucial in MS management. They include self-catheterization, daily life modifications (e.g. management of fatigue and physical exercises) and involvement of the family and social circle in the disease and treatment management (place of informal caregivers). MS has a major psycho-emotional and cognitive impact. Therefore, the acquisition of adaptation abilities, based on the previous history and experience of the patient, is also essential and must be part of a wider set of psychosocial abilities. In this context, the French Society of Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation (Société française de médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle [Sofmer]) implemented a large program for the evaluation of TPE. The objective of this program is to inventory current TPE programs, sort them according to the official grid of the French Health Authorities (Haute Autorité de santé [HAS]), and identify their major orientations. This project concerns all the TPE programs but the present study focused on TPEs in MS.


If the concept of therapeutic education is indisputable in this disease, multiplicity of the symptoms is a problem (about 30 identified). The frequent interrelation between symptoms does not allow targeting TPE programs to a unique symptom.


The HAS defined quality criteria for the content and form of the information provided, which must rely on data from the evidence-based medicine (if available) or from practical recommendations. These recommendations are perfectly adapted to MS. MS is a chronic, potentially invalidating condition, which management associates pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. In the absence of healing treatment, non-pharmacological treatments must lead to modifications of the mode of living. Moreover, this management must be multidisciplinary and comprise multiple participants: physicians (PRM physicians, physiatrist, neurologists, general practitioners), rehabilitation specialists (physiotherapists, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologists, psychomotricians…), paramedical professionals (nurses…), psychologists and neuropsychologists.


According to the guide by the HAS , “The therapeutic education in multiple sclerosis comprises: (i) information on the disease, its consequences and its impact on personal, familial and socioprofessional life; (ii) information on available and adapted treatments, their expected benefit or adverse effects, what is adapted or unsuitable to the patient, scheduling of routine examinations or detection of possible complications, and results of these exams; (iii) advices and training about symptoms management (including fatigue), physical abilities (sport, muscle strengthening, rehabilitation), and daily life adaptation; (iv) possibly, for the patient or his relatives, training to injections, urinary catheterization and other necessary technical acts. Therapeutic education starts as soon as diagnosis notification. It contributes to quality of the management during all the disease. Moreover, follow-up and psychological support can be offered.”


The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) also recommends implementing, within the 6 months following diagnosis notification, an education program that takes into account the different aspects of the disease.



Objective


The objective of this article was to clarify the impact of TPE programs in the management of MS. This clarification lies within the frame of the national work initiated by the Sofmer about MS. A particular attention was paid to the validated tools that can contribute to the educative diagnosis. The factors limiting implementation and efficacy of these programs were also highlighted.



Material and methods


A non-systematic review of the literature was performed through inquiry of the Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for the 1966–2010 period of time. The references of retained articles were considered and the articles responding to inclusion criteria but not present in the initial search were selected. The keywords used were: counseling, self-care, self-management, patient education and multiple sclerosis. Considering the many symptoms that can be the subject of TPE, they were arbitrarily grouped based on the advice of the group of experts (group MS-Sofmer) and the bibliographic search was refined using the following complementary keywords: spasticity: spasticity; deglutition disorders: dysphagia and deglutition; dysarthria: dysarthria; pain: pain; voiding disorders: sex, sexual dysfunction, bladder, bowel, continence; fatigue: fatigue; technical assistance: devices, assistance, mobility; caregiver intervention: caregiver, pluridisciplinary rehabilitation; and cognitive aspects: psychological, affect, cognitive impairment. Clinical trials and randomized controlled studies concerning adult subjects and written in English, French or German, as well as literature reviews and practical recommendations, were used for the analysis.


The scientific committee independently performed a first selection of articles based on abstracts to retain articles dealing with TPE in MS patients. A subgroup of experts, specifically renowned for their management of particular MS symptoms, was appointed to read and sort each relevant article (MS, symptoms, TPE). Articles were evaluated by a pair of reviewers and validated by a group of reviewers to allow recommendations based on scientific evidences and adapted to the current practice . The precise objective of the TPE had to be evidenced and the therapeutic education method developed (substance and form), including the objective of education sessions, theoretical or practical abilities to acquire and evaluation of the patients’ knowledge and their ability to adapt after education.


The methodological quality of articles was evaluated according to the grid made by the French National Agency of Accreditation and Evaluation in Health ( Agence nationale d’accréditation et d’évaluation en santé [Anaes]) (levels 1 to 4, grades A to C) . The studies of poor methodological quality (inappropriate, insufficient number of subjects, imprecise intervention) were excluded. In the absence of evidence levels, the opinion of the experts participating in the workgroup and professional practices were collected.



Results



General health status and fatigue



General health status


The TPE programs generally proposed in MS were mainly “generalist” programs dealing with the disease and its direct consequences on mobility, physical activity and quality of life (QoL). The term “general health status” regroups here these different programs. Seven studies were selected: four of level 2 and three of level 4 . Six of them specifically evaluated a TPE program dedicated to MS . Most TPE studies were conducted in North America ( Tables 1–6 ).



Table 1

Main studies about TPE and MS.































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE General health
Köpke, 2009 MS relasping remitting, caregivers Randomised and controlled study, 2 years of follow-up
Level 2
150 Randomised
Intervention: 77 subjects
4 hours of TPE
Control: 73 subjects
Booklet explaining the MS evolution
Help for caregiver
Explanation of the subtypes, pattern of progression, and therapeutic decisions
Suggestion of treatment, peros or intravenous
Main end point: % of relapse with or without treatment
Other criteria: patient’s perception of autonomy, Hamburg Quality of life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS)
Disability status:UK Neurological Disability Scale (UNDS)
More relapse in control group
Educated patients have less intravenous treatment (corticosteroids)
Decision towards treatment is higher in educated group
Quality of life, functional status and adverse effect are equal in the 2 groups


Table 2

Main studies about TPE and MS.










































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE Fatigue
Mathiowetz, 2001 MS Controlled trial
Level 3
54 6 sessions of 2 h/week with occupational therapist (8 to 10 persons per group) FIS, Self-Efficacy Gauge, SF-36 Specific’s scales to assess conservation of energy QoL, self-efficacy, evaluation of fatigue
Mathiowetz, 2007 MS Randomised controlled trial, cross-over, intention to treat
Level 2
169 TPE on energy conservation during 6 weeks, with an occupational therapist
Divided in 2 groups: group 1: intervention and group 2: waiting for intervention
FIS et SF-36 about 4 measures before and after TPE Immediate efficacy compared to 1 year control Best scores of FIS and in 4 elements of the SF-36, staying 1 year later


Table 3

Main studies about TPE and MS.










































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE Locomotor trouble Falling
Finlayson, 2000 MS Observational study
Level 4
427 Description of walking devices and QoL Descriptive results on the devices’ choice Evaluation “at home” of the helpful devices
Finlayson, 2009a MS Observational study, comparing falls before and after TPEE
Level 3
30 Safe at home BAASE program
6 sessions of 2 h with an occupational therapist
5 sessions/week, group with 2 to 7 patients
1 session 1 month later
FCS Fall Control Scale
FMS Falls Management Scale
FPMQ Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire
FPSS Fall Prevention Strategies Survey
FF Fera of Falling
FES Fall Efficacy Scale
Falls during program
Significant efficacy for all measures at the en d of the study


Table 4

Main studies about TPE and MS.










































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE Pain
Patti, 2002 MS Randomised controlled trial Group with activities: 58 subjects
Controlled group: 53 subjects
Self-program of rehabilitation, 6/week, during 6 weeks
Control of the self-program at home
SF-36
BDI Beck Depression Inventory
SET Tempelaar Social Experience Check List
FIS Fatigue Impact Scale
Significant improvement of QoL, FIS, SET and BDI Self-program not clearly described
Assessment of training not detailed
Warke, 2006 MS Randomised controlled trial
Grade A
90, 30 in each group Learning transcutaneus stimulation
Group 1: low frequency stimulation
Group 2: high frequency stimulation
Group 3: placebo stimulation
Pain evaluation (visual analogic scale, Mac Gill pain Questionnaire, Barthel Index…)
No assessment of the learning technical for transcutaneous stimulation
Non-significant improvement of the intervention group Education without evaluation


Table 5

Main studies about TPE and MS.









































































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE Cognition
Ward, 2004 Chronic neurology pathology and MS Randomised controlled trial
Level 2
114 Intervention: occupational therapy
Control: information booklet
Number of falls
Decubitus ulcer apparition
Nottingham’s functional score
I > C, DS
I > C, DS
I < C
No sub group analysis
Ennis, 2006 MS
EDSS 1 to 7
Randomised controlled trial
Level 2
62 Intervention: 8 weeks of multidisciplinay education program
Control: usual care
Health Promoting lifestyle profile
Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale
SF 36
DS
DS
DS
Large EDSS score
Global health program
Rigby, 2008 MS (duration of pathology about 9 years)
EDSS 6.0
Randomised controlled trial
Level 2
147 I: information booklet
II: information booklet + discussion group
III: information booklet + psychotherapy
Anxiety (HAD)
Depression (HAD)
MSSE
DRI
II/III > I DS
NS
II/III > I DS
II/III > I DS
No significant differences for mean values
The lost to follow-up had lowest MSSE (DS)
TPE and Visual troubles
Mowry, 2009 MS Cohort study, no randomised 167 Education, no control of knowledge 25-item National Eyes Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), impact of visual impairment, visual acuity, Snellen 20/16 Contrast troubles are correlated with MS QoL


Table 6

Main studies about TPE and MS.































Reference Population Design: HAS Number Intervention Outcomes measured Results Note
TPE and Caregiver
Finlayson, 2008 Older MS and their caregivers Cohort study
Level 4
302 Phase 1: evaluation of the need with questionnaire
Phase 2: evaluation of the different’s programs existing on the TPE for caregivers
Phase 3: creation of a specific caregivers program
Organisation and access to health care
To manage emotional impact and physical aspects
No specific program
The aim is to construct a specific program

NS: no significant difference; DS: significant difference; QoL: quality of life.


A particular study evaluated the interest of TPE on the topic of exacerbation. Köpke et al. showed significant reduction of hospitalizations for Solumedrol ® bolus, owing to a better knowledge of exacerbations .


Educative diagnosis was not always indicated in articles; patients were most often selected in registers or databases. Only one study described personalized educative diagnosis . This TPE program was offered to any MS patients (variable clinical form or Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] level) and was sometimes offered to caregivers. The content of the program was not always clearly explained but common themes existed: knowledge of the disease and treatments, and management of daily activities and of certain disturbing symptoms like fatigue. Patients were seen individually or in-group (maximum ten persons). Education program was performed at home or in hospital, but the place of the sessions was not always reported. Sessions lasted 2 to 4 hours with frequencies ranging from one a week to one a day, and with a number of one to ten sessions. Used tools were represented by workgroups including caregivers or, most often, face-to-face or telephone interviews, or even videoconferences.


However, a randomized controlled study , proposing a multidisciplinary health education program during 8 weeks showed a significant improvement in the behavior of patients with regard to their health status. These findings were confirmed by another randomized study based on telephone follow-up using the same main criteria, but that was less time-consuming. The “knowledge verification” stage was lacking for this program could be defined as TPE.


Program efficacy evaluation was most often made using semi-structured questionnaires, general satisfaction VAS and/or QoL scales. Disability and fatigue scales were associated, including the UK Neurological Disability Scale (UKNDS), Nottingham Extend Activities of Daily Living Index (NEADLI), Barthel Index, Standart Day Dependency Record (SDDR), SF-36, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) . An English self-efficacy scale can also be used but it is not validated in France. The feeling of personnel efficacy (or self-efficacy) is “the belief shared by a group in their combined ability to organize and perform actions that are necessary to induce a determined level of realizations” . No scale was specifically proposed to evaluate implementation of behavior modification.



Fatigue


Fatigue is one of the most frequent and discomforting MS symptoms that concerns 80% of patients, and frequently so as soon as disease onset. The different evaluation scales allow its assessment. Since several years, patients have been offered specific energy conservation programs. Principle is based on implementation of strategies allowing limitation of unnecessary efforts, prioritization of daily tasks, and environment arranging. These programs are most often implemented and followed up by an occupational therapist in a rehabilitation unit and/or at home. The objective is modification of patient’s behavior by specific TPE program. This technique is associated with other fatigue treatments. These programs correspond to the concept of TPE and have been offered in Canada since the late 1990s.


Twelve studies were published on the “energy conservation” TPEs in MS (three of level 2, three of level 3 and six of level 4). A first study conducted in 1997 in 13 MS patients by Stuifbergen et al. reported the adaptation strategies implemented to fight fatigue . Patients specified energy conservation was the first strategy implemented in daily life. In a crossover controlled trial, Mathiovetz et al. were the first to demonstrate efficacy of “energy conservation” in a population of 54 MS patients that had participated to six 2-hour sessions per week in a group of eight to ten people with an occupational therapist . This program showed significant improvement of fatigue, auto-efficacy and QoL .


When considering the TPE process described by HAS, we observed that educative diagnosis was present in all studies . Content of the program was not always reported and not very often specifically described in the different studies, but always comprised general information on the disease, fatigue and specific interventions of energy conservation, including time arrangement, prioritization of actions and behavior modification, as described in the original concept. The educational staff was always an occupational therapist. Patients were met in-group or not, which was not always described in studies, with a maximum of ten people per group. Similarly, the place of the sessions was not always provided: most often, they were performed in hospital wards or rehabilitation centers. The dedicated time was 2 hours per session in any program. Frequency varied from two to eight sessions, in average there were six 2-hour sessions offered at the rate of one session a week.


Validated scales were used for the evaluation of efficacy on the symptom: the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) , also available in French (EMIF-SEP) , the MFIS (short version of FIS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) , and, in one study, visual analogical scale (VAS) of fatigue intensity. QoL evaluation was often associated and performed using SF36 and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). Self-Efficacy Scale was used in one study. Final evaluation of TPE program implementation was most often open questions on behavior modification. Finally, two validated scales were built, the Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment (SEPECSA) and the Energy Conservation Strategies Survey (ECSS) .


In these studies, “energy conservation” TPE program was offered to all MS patients, independently of their level of dependency and clinical form, and to patients for whom the “fatigue” complaint was a priority. Educative diagnosis was well established and individualized before offering the program. Modalities of the program included energy conservation concepts and were identical in all studies. These different studies followed educative processes, as presented by the HAS. Therefore, efficacy seemed to be confirmed and, as a consequence, it was interesting to recommend a fatigue-specific TPE following the concept of energy conservation in this disease.



Physical activity


The chronic characteristic of MS, frequent fatigue and fear as to the evolution of disabilities often lead patients to restrict their physical activities. MS patients show a lower physical activity than the population without any disease but, surprisingly, also lower than patients with other severe conditions (e.g. chronic fatigue syndrome, cerebral paralysis, COPD) . In the study by Simmons, 16% of the 2529 people interviewed felt improved by physical activity; 15% felt worsened .


Several studies underlined the positive impact of a program for aerobic physical exercise associating re-training to effort, muscular strengthening and rehabilitation to equilibrium. Performing an aerobic physical activity (in rehabilitation centers or as self-care at home) allows improving adaptation to efforts and the quality of walking, without worsening the neurological status or the feeling of fatigue .



Locomotion disorders


Locomotion disorders are in first-line in this chronic progressive condition and are responsible for equilibrium and walking disorders, mainly related to the pyramidal syndrome. Because of fatigue, pyramidal syndrome, disorders of the deep sensitivity, cerebellar or vestibular syndromes, and visual disorders, walking is regularly impaired in MS. All along the duration of the disease, about three-fourth of the patients show walking impairments, at different levels . Baum et al. showed that 60% of MS patients were using walking aid. Only one specific TPE program was observed in the literature and concerned the risk of fall (level 3).



Falls prevention


Morbidity related to the risk of falling is not negligible in this population. Balance disorders are the best predictive factor of falls. One MS patient out of two had fallen during the previous 2 months; a third of them had recurrent falls. Finlayson et al. implemented and evaluated a TPE program specific to the prevention of falls for MS patients, the Home Base Program . Thirty patients (mean age: 56.7 years) with at least one fall during the previous year and occasionally using crutches were included. The program comprised six 2-hour sessions, of which five were within a week, in groups of five to seven patients, and one was a revision session at 1 month. Results showed significant efficacy on falls and use of the practices taught; the authors concluded to the interest of implementing this kind of programs in this indication (level 3).


The same authors validated the “Falls Prevention Strategy” for elderly MS patients . This tool was validated in a population of 457 MS patients (mean age: 53.5 years) with at least one fall during the past year. This tool was validated for 11 questions evaluating actions implemented to decrease the risk of falling. TPE programs for falls prevention are non-negligible tools in this disease and can be recommended in this indication.



Spasticity


Spasticity is a frequent symptom in MS since it is observed in 84–90% of patients during evolution of the disease . It is worsened by triggering factors (cause and/or consequence of spasticity), sometimes by the chronic treatment (interferon) . This symptom is embarrassing in everyday life but varies, so that a frequent adaptation of the treatment is needed (self-management of the dose). The structured and functional evaluation of spasticity is not reported in the literature. Simple means are used in practice, but not evaluated at a large scale: cryotherapy , self-stretching and antispastic techniques, adapted self-medication, physical activity… The treatment of triggering factors is an integral part of the management of spasticity and should be the subject of TPE. No evaluation was found in the literature.


No study about TPE, with regard to any antispastic treatment, was identified in the literature (grade C, level 4).



Technical aid (TA) and wheelchair


In MS, motor disability can rapidly be observed. Use of Technical aid (TA) and the resort to orthotics and prosthetics should allow a limitation of the loss of autonomy, or even prevent it. TAs participate to the medicosocial management of the consequences of the disease. Their use requires involvement of the patients (and of caregivers). The use of TAs should imply training about them. Cohort studies allowed determining an evolving pattern of locomotor disorders according to time, and estimated that 50% of patients would use walking assistance after 15 years of evolution .



Technical aids


Four articles (three of level 4 and one review of the literature) studied use and modes to obtain TA in MS . In particular, these descriptive studies established an inventory and confirmed the better acceptance of TAs when they were chosen and used in coordination with a multidisciplinary team.



Wheelchairs


Here again, the studies identified described the need of MS patients and did not involve TPE . The few studies published on this topic showed high difficulties, psychological and physical, toward the acquisition and use of TAs in this disease. Therefore, it seems that a specific TPE program be useful.



Pain and MS


Seven studies were identified in the literature about TPE in MS patients with pain. Identified studies did not respond to the definition of TPE. However, the pain side of MS is best evaluated using specific and validated questionnaires (Grade B) .


A case study could not be exploited . A study evaluated satisfaction of the patients after disease information meetings; it did not show significant results (Grade C). The practice of autohypnosis for pain management in 14 MS patients showed better results than muscular relaxation. The methodology was not detailed, nor duration of efficacy (Grade B) . A randomized study of the management of stress and pain using “self-training”, through group meetings with trained nurses, noted significant improvement in QoL scales (stress, stress perception and pain scores) (Grade C) . Patients were separated into subgroups according to their chronic condition, i.e. MS, rheumatoid arthritis, medullar injury and no differentiated result. A randomized prospective study evaluating efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus placebo in MS and low back pain patients showed non-significant efficacy of TENS (Grade A). This study did not comprise TPE. Under the pretext of teaching home-based self-exercises, a grade-A randomized prospective study showed improved QoL and physical pain in MS patients performing these exercises at home, as compared to those who performed them at the medical center.



Swallowing disorders


In the population of MS patients, deglutition disorders are frequent and underestimated. Death due to aspiration is the first cause of mortality in this population. Deglutition disorders, cough during meals and false passage exist in 34 to 43% of cases . However, no significant relationship exists between the severity of dysphagia and EDSS, or with the deficiencies reported by the patients . Of note, coping strategies would be enough to resolve dysphagia in 94% of cases . Coping strategies comprise texture change, posture change, active movements and speech rehabilitation .


No recommendation was identified concerning formalized TPE of MS patients with swallowing disorders. However, coping strategies proved their practical efficacy but were not evaluated in the literature.



Visual dysfunction


Visual deficiency is a frequent symptom in MS. It starts the disease in 50% of cases and arises during the course of the disease in 80% of patients . Its prevalence is unknown. Most often, visual disorders are decreased in visual acuteness, loss of the view of colours, presence of a scotoma, photophobia and, especially, decrease in contrasts. Oculomotor sequelae are responsible for lack of endurance, visual fatigue, blurred vision and/or constant or intermittent diplopia. To these signs must be added the Uhthoff’s phenomenon (transitory worsening of MS symptoms during exercise or heat). These signs are responsible for a high inconvenience and deterioration of the QoL . Then, daily adaptations are required to compensate for this deficit. Only one scale allows screening for poor vision in MS, the Functional Vision Screening Questionnaire (FVSQ) . Concerning the impact on the QoL, the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) generic scale is quite reliable for therapeutic evaluations . Two old case studies were published on visual rehabilitation in MS (Grade C, level 4) but none evaluated efficacy of a multidisciplinary program of visual rehabilitation. On a practical point of view, the objectives of this rehabilitation are the evaluation of visual perception, their best use by optimizing the conditions that are favourable to a better visual perception, and the improvement of endurance. The programs implemented in centres must be evaluated, as well as associated TPEs (endurance and use of the techniques).



Cognitive, mood and behavior disorders


Cognitive disorders are frequent in this disease (48%) and occur early in the course of the disease . They represent major stake because their impact on daily life is very important. Three studies were identified: two of level 4 and one of level 3.


The level-3 study was performed by Rigby et al. . The authors compared three different interventions in three MS patients groups. Group 1 had three 90-minute sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. Group 2 had three group sessions of open-speech on psychosocial subjects. Group 3 received a booklet on the psychoaffective and emotional aspects of MS. Patients were evaluated at the end of the program and at one year. Results showed higher efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy regarding QoL, as compared to support groups or to information provided through a booklet. This more likely corresponded to cognitive management by a psychologist than to TPE program, as defined by HAS.


The two other studies better corresponded to the concept (level 4). Shevil et al. showed high satisfaction and positive impact on life with TPE aiming at improving knowledge of the disease and cognitive disorders, as well as their impact on daily life activities . Patients increased their level of efficacy by implementing adapted strategies. The program comprised five 2-hour sessions once a week, directed by an occupational therapist, in groups of six to 12 patients. The population was composed of 41 MS patients, with a mean age of 52.4 years and a mean age of the disease of 13 years. One year later, the results were maintained .


TPE and cognitive disorders in MS raise the following questions:




  • can information on the disease or on its prognosis have adverse effects?



  • what is the impact of cognitive disorders on education?



  • can we teach MS patients to best manage their emotions?



Concerning the emotional impact of the information, two studies showed the absence of emotional effect or impact of cognitive disorders in MS patients on the understanding of the information provided verbally or through a booklet . Cognitive disorders alter learning but this effect was reported by only one study of the learning of self-catheterization . The learning of stress management improves the management of MS patients . A randomized controlled study showed that psychological management or participation to speech groups had significantly higher impact than delivery of information booklet on anxiety, disease self-management and resilience, but no effect was noted on depression.



Genital and sexual disorders



Sexual disorders


Despite difficulties to understand and evaluate them, sexual disorders in MS patients are numerous and multifactor. Their incidence is about 73% . They divide into primary sexual disorders (related to lesions of the central nervous system), secondary (related to fatigue, spasticity and associated voiding disorders), and tertiary by lack of confidence, decrease of self-esteem and psychosocial repercussions induced by the disease . Only one randomized prospective study evaluated improvement of these sexual disorders after TPE delivered either by a nurse or through a booklet . Written medium and verbal education showed significantly the same efficacy on primary sexual disorders. Educational intervention by a nurse was significantly more efficient with regard to secondary sexual disorders (Grade B).



Bowel disorders


Disorders of perineal sphere is frequent in MS. Patients can benefit from adapted rehabilitation programs. Out of four studies identified in the literature and one made by the Cochrane Library , none had TPE process. However, all cited the interest for the patient to adapt hygienic and dietetic rules to their symptoms and disabilities (Grade C) . No study concerning these rules was identified in MS. Use of laxatives and enema was suggested but not in terms of TPE (Grade C) . No TPE program specific to anorectal disorders was identified in the literature. However, the impact in terms of daily disability is major. An adapted and standardized management is required. Therefore, the formalization of such programs is indispensable, but would require a more “spontaneous” approach of these symptoms by both the therapist and the patient (or informal caregivers) during neurological, PRM or multidisciplinary visits.



Urinary disorders (UD)


Urinary disorders (UD) are almost systematic in MS and precociously evolve during the course of a life, which expected length is little impacted by the disease. Appearing in average 6 years after the beginning of neurological symptoms, they can be present in 10% of patients as soon as MS onset and concern 80–90% of patients during its evolution .


The considerable impact of UD on social, professional, affective and sexual activities makes it one of the main factors of QoL worsening. In addition to this functional damage, UD are also responsible for uronephrological complications that can concern higher than 10% of patients within the first 20 years of MS. This high functional and organic impact justifies precocious implementation and regular adaptation of detection measures, TPE, management and personalized follow-up of UD in MS.


Recommendations for initial diagnosis and follow-up of neurologic bladder in MS, validated by learned societies, were drawn by French-speaking experts of the GENULF (i.e. Groupe d’étude de neuro-urologie de langue française) for France, Belgium and Switzerland , and English-speaking societies of practitioners and nurses . These correspond to guides for good clinical practice with level of evidence Ib.


No publication specifically intended for MS patients with regard to TPE about their UD was found. A TPE guide for self-catheterizing patients has recently been proposed by a group of medical and paramedical experts Sofmer/HAS in 2010 . This guide and recommendations can be applied to the population of the MS patients that drain their bladder using intermittent self-catheterization .



Caregivers


In MS, caregivers have a particular role. Indeed, because it is a young population, most often with occupation and children in their care, impact on couple and daily life is important and involves caregivers (family). Koopman et al. evaluated the needs of 350 MS patients and 240 respective caregivers using a semi-structured questionnaire . Three main topics emerged and remained similar between caregivers and MS patients: psychosocial and personal needs, the need for information about the disease and financial needs. The practical aspect of these questions is clear and points to a gap in our care and information system.


Finlayson et al. suggested developing a TPE program intended to caregivers of MS patients . A program should be built from the evaluation of needs in an ecological setting. Since the needs are many, specific and disparate, no program could be built in that paper. To date, no program was found in the literature.



Discussion


MS has precise diagnostic criteria and the available pharmacological therapeutic armamentarium increases with new molecules (and their presentation). However, each symptom requires daily adaptation from the patients, so that TPE programs take place as early as disease onset. The studies on TPE in MS are rare. Their methodology is often disputable, and barely exploitable and applicable to the patients. The different TPEs are not always sufficiently defined to allow generalization and implementation during hospitalization or ambulatory cares. No level 1 or Grade A study was found. This probably constitutes a bias related to the difficulty to recruit patients with “isolated” symptoms, the long-term follow-up (disease evolving by exacerbations), and the young age of the subjects (thus in occupation). Unpredictable evolution and intricate symptoms, sometimes amplified by the pharmacological treatments, hamper the targeted evaluation of TPE programs.


Despite large cohorts, certain studies are only of level 4 . This is related to the descriptive nature of the impact on the subjects and to the absence of evaluation of the TPE program itself. Nonetheless, all the symptoms must be the subject of TPE. In the absence of published evidence, certain symptoms are the subject of consensus in the multidisciplinary MS staffs. For instance, this includes the management of spasticity using physical techniques, training to catheterization, learning of the use of wheelchairs and physical activities to fight fatigue. Many information booklets about each individual symptom are available. Unfortunately, even if most of them are performed by MS specialists, their elaboration method is unknown and their impact rarely evaluated. Then, the multidisciplinary MS consultations coordinated by PRM physicians and/or by neurologists are justified in this education. The patients were asked the positive impact of these consultations but no published study was found about the beneficial aspect of these multidisciplinary consultations.


Finally, of note is the close relationship between the TPE programs on disability and symptoms management, and the TPE programs related to the initiation and use of the treatment. This close relationship makes necessary the collaboration between the different specialists concerned (PRM, neurologists…) and the paramedical staff, including nurses.



Conclusion


In view of these literature data and international recommendations, TPE must be an integral part of MS management. This education aims to trigger a real modification of patients’ life mode, especially regarding the practice of a physical activity or fatigue management. These TPE programs must be adapted to the patients, their symptoms, their cognitive status… but also to caregivers, who are particularly involved in the disease.


Complementary work is needed to improve the medico-economic impact and the content of educative programs, alone or in association with other therapeutic practices. In particular, it seems indispensable to validate the content of the documents used for this education, and to develop educative assessment tools for MS patients in each unit in which they are provided care.


Conflict of interest statement


None.





Version française



Introduction


La sclérose en plaques (SEP), première cause de handicap du sujet jeune après les accidents de voie publique, est une pathologie chronique évolutive touchant 100 000 personnes en France, avec des répercussions non négligeables sur la vie quotidienne. Les symptômes sont nombreux et souvent associés : locomoteurs, sensitifs, cognitifs, vésicosphinctériens. Les traitements visent, à ce jour, à limiter les poussées et la progression du handicap. La prise en charge de la SEP est assez bien codifiée avec une approche pluridisciplinaire indiscutable, eu égard à la multiplicité des symptômes.


L’OMS Europe a défini l’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP), qui a pour objectifs de former le malade pour qu’il puisse acquérir un savoir-faire adéquat, afin d’arriver à un équilibre entre sa vie et le contrôle optimal de sa maladie (auto-soins et adaptation de ceux-ci). L’ETP est un processus continu qui fait partie intégrante des soins médicaux. L’ETP comprend la sensibilisation, l’information, l’apprentissage, le support psychosocial, tous liés à la maladie et au traitement. La formation doit aussi permettre au malade et à sa famille de mieux collaborer avec les soignants . Ainsi, l’ETP des patients contribue pour les malades chroniques à une meilleure connaissance de leur pathologie et de sa prise en charge, les faisant ainsi devenir acteur de leur propre santé. Ils doivent participer au diagnostic éducatif, qui précède la phase d’éducation. Le diagnostic éducatif permet de cerner les besoins et attentes du patient . La diminution de la morbidité et/ou une réduction de la survenue de certaines complications, l’atténuation du retentissement personnel et/ou social de certains symptômes ou déficiences font partie des objectifs de l’ETP.


La médecine physique et de réadaptation (MPR) fait partie intégrante de la prise en charge de la SEP. En effet, la MPR a pour principales missions les soins, la rééducation et la réadaptation, la prévention et l’éducation thérapeutique, l’accompagnement à la réinsertion (décret du 17 avril 2008). L’éducation thérapeutique est ainsi inscrite dans les missions des services de service de soins de suite et réadaptation (SSR), en particulier à orientation neurologique. Les personnes présentant des déficiences chroniques, source de limitation de participation, ont recours à notre spécialité et souvent en institution. Outre les soins physiques qui y sont dispensés, les différents acteurs de soins et de rééducation de ces unités délivrent des messages d’ETP dans l’objectif de faire du patient un acteur de sa santé après la sortie. L’ETP a pour objectif l’acquisition par le patient de compétences d’auto-soins et d’adaptation. Parmi les compétences d’auto-soins, certaines sont primordiales dans la prise en charge de la SEP comme la réalisation d’autosondage, la mise en œuvre de modification du mode de vie (gestion de la fatigue et exercice physique), implication de l’entourage dans la gestion de maladie et des traitements (place de l’aidant). L’acquisition de compétences d’adaptation qui s’appuient sur le vécu et l’expérience antérieure du patient, faisant partie d’un ensemble plus large de compétences psychosociales, est également primordiale dans la SEP dont on connaît le retentissement psychoaffectif et cognitif majeur. Dans ce cadre, la Société française de médecine physique et de réadaptation (Sofmer) a mis en place un vaste programme d’évaluation de l’éducation thérapeutique. L’objectif est de recenser les programmes existants, de les classer (selon la grille officielle de la Haute Autorité de santé [HAS]), et d’en formaliser les grands points. Ce projet concerne tous les programmes d’ETP ; notre groupe ne traitera que les ETP dans la SEP.


Si le concept d’ETP va de soi dans cette pathologie, se pose le problème de la multiplicité des symptômes (une trentaine dénombrée). Leur intrication fréquente ne permet pas de réaliser des programmes d’ETP ciblés sur un seul symptôme.


La HAS a défini des critères de qualité concernant le contenu et la forme des informations délivrées qui doivent s’appuyer lorsqu’elles existent sur les données issues de la médecine fondée sur les preuves ou sur les recommandations pour la pratique. Ces recommandations s’appliquent tout à fait à la SEP qui est une pathologie chronique, potentiellement invalidante, dont la prise en charge associe des thérapeutiques pharmacologiques et non pharmacologiques. En l’absence de traitement curatif, le recours aux thérapeutiques non pharmacologiques doit conduire à des modifications du mode de vie. De plus, cette prise en charge doit être pluridisciplinaire, mobilisant de multiples intervenants autour du patient, qu’ils soient médecins (médecin de MPR, neurologue, médecin généraliste), rééducateurs (kinésithérapeutes, ergothérapeutes, orthophonistes, psychomotriciens…), paramédicaux (infirmières…), psychologues et neuropsychologues.


D’après le guide Affection de longue durée de la HAS , « l’éducation thérapeutique comporte pour la sclérose en plaques :




  • une information sur la maladie, ses conséquences et son retentissement sur la vie personnelle, familiale et socioprofessionnelle ;



  • une information sur les traitements disponibles et adaptés, leurs effets bénéfiques attendus ou indésirables possibles, ce qui est adapté ou inadapté au patient, la planification des examens de routine ou de dépistage de complications éventuelles et les résultats de ces examens ;



  • des conseils et un apprentissage de la gestion des symptômes (notamment la fatigue), des capacités physiques (sports, renforcement musculaire, rééducation) et de l’adaptation de la vie au quotidien ;



  • éventuellement pour le patient ou ses proches, un apprentissage des injections, des sondages urinaires et des autres gestes techniques nécessaires.



L’ETP débute dès l’annonce du diagnostic. Elle contribue à la qualité de la prise en charge pendant toute la maladie. Par ailleurs, un accompagnement et un soutien psychologique peuvent être proposés. »


Le National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (Royaume-Uni) préconise également la mise en place d’un programme éducatif prenant en compte les différents aspects de la maladie dans les six mois suivant l’annonce du diagnostic.



Objectifs


L’objectif de cet article est de faire une mise au point sur l’impact des programmes d’ETP dans la prise en charge de la SEP. Cette mise au point s’inscrit dans le cadre des travaux nationaux engagés par la Sofmer sur l’ETP. Une attention particulière sera portée aux outils validés pouvant contribuer au diagnostic éducatif. Les facteurs limitant la mise en place et l’efficacité de ces programmes seront également mis en évidence.



Matériel et méthode


Une revue non systématique de la littérature est réalisée par interrogation des bases de données Medline, Pubmed et Cochrane Library pour les années 1966 à 2010. Les références des articles retenus ont été prises en compte et les articles correspondant aux critères d’inclusion mais non présents dans la recherche initiale ont été sélectionnés. Les mots clés utilisés sont : counselling ; selfcare ; self management ; patient education ; multiple sclerosis .


Compte tenu de la multiciplicité des symptômes pouvant entrer dans des ETP, nous les avons arbitrairement regroupés, après avis du groupe d’experts (groupe SEP–Sofmer), en affinant la recherche bibliographique à l’aide des mots clés complémentaires suivants : spasticité : spasticity , trouble de déglutition : dysphagia et deglutition , dysarthrie : dysarthria , douleur : pain , troubles vésicosphinctériens : sex , sexual dysfunction , bladder , bowel , continence , fatigue : fatigue , aides techniques : devices , assistance , mobility , intervention des aidants : c aregiver , pluridisciplinary rehabilitation , versant cognitif : psychological, affect, cognitive impairment . Les essais cliniques et les études contrôlées randomisées concernant des sujets adultes humains, rédigés en langue anglaise, française ou allemande ainsi que les revues de la littérature et les recommandations pour la pratique sont utilisés pour l’analyse.


Une première sélection d’articles sur résumés a été réalisée de façon indépendante par le comité scientifique afin de retenir les articles traitant de l’éducation thérapeutique du patient chez les sujets ayant une SEP. Un sous-groupe d’experts, spécifiquement reconnu pour sa gestion dans un symptôme de la SEP, est nommé pour lire, et classer chacun des articles pertinents (SEP, symptôme, ETP). Les articles ont été évalués par un binôme de lecteurs avec une validation par un groupe de relecteurs afin de permettre des recommandations fondées sur le plan scientifique et adaptées à la pratique courante . L’objectif précis de l’ETP doit être mis en évidence, la méthode d’éducation thérapeutique doit être développée (fond et forme), l’objectif des séances d’éducation, les compétences théoriques ou pratiques à acquérir, ainsi que l’évaluation des connaissances du patient et sa capacité à s’adapter après l’éducation.


La qualité méthodologique des articles est évaluée selon la grille de l’Anaes (niveaux 1 à 4, grades A à C) . Les études de très faible qualité méthodologique (inadéquate, nombre de sujets insuffisants, intervention imprécise) sont exclues. En l’absence de niveaux d’évidence, l’avis des experts participant au groupe de travail ainsi que les pratiques professionnelles ont été recueillies.



Résultats



Santé générale et fatigue



Santé générale


Les programmes d’ETP proposés dans la SEP en général, sont représentés par des programmes « généralistes » traitant de la maladie et de ses conséquences directes sur la mobilité, l’activité physique et la qualité de vie. Nous avons regroupé sur le terme « santé générale » ces différents programmes. Sept études ont été sélectionnées : quatre de niveau 2 et trois de niveau 4 . Six d’entre elles évaluent spécifiquement un programme d’ETP dédié à la SEP ( Tableaux 1–6 ).



Tableau 1

Récapitulatif des principales études sur l’ETP dans la SEP.































Auteur Population Type d’étude : HAS Population Intervention Critères d’évaluation Résultats Remarque
ETP Santé générale
Köpke, 2009 SEP rémittentes, aidants Étude contrôlée randomisée, suivi de 2 ans
Niveau 2
150 Sujets randomisés
Intervention : 77 sujets. ETP de 4 h
Témoins : 73 sujets
Livret explicatif sur la prise en charge de la poussée
Invitation des aidants
Explications sur les mécanismes, la reconnaissance des poussées et fausses poussées
Proposition d’un traitement per os ou i.v.
Critère principal : % de poussée avec ou sans traitement
Critères secondaires : perception de l’autonomie de décision par le patient, Hamburg Quality of life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS)
Disability status :UK Neurological Disability Scale (UNDS)
Plus grand nombre de poussées dans le groupe témoin
Le groupe éduqué a une plus grande autonomie dans le choix du traitement de la poussée significativement par rapport au groupe témoin mesuré par un taux de poussée moins traité par corticoïdes i.v.
La perception de prise de décision est significativement plus élevée dans le groupe éduqué
La qualité de vie, le statut fonctionnel et les effets secondaires sont comparables dans les deux groupes


Tableau 2

Récapitulatif des principales études sur l’ETP dans la SEP.










































Auteur Population Type d’étude : HAS Population Intervention Critères d’évaluation Résultats Remarque
ETP Fatigue
Mathiowetz, 2001 SEP Essai contrôlé
Niveau 3
54 6 sessions de 2 h/sem par ergothérapeute (groupe de 8 à 10 personnes) FIS, Self-Efficacy Gauge, SF-36
Évaluer l’efficacité d’un programme de conservation d’énergie sur des échelles spécifiques
Efficacité du programme sur la fatigue, l’auto-efficacité et la qualité de vie significative
Mathiowetz, 2007 SEP Etude contrôlée randomisée, cross over en intention de traiter
Niveau 2
169 Un programme d’ETP conservation d’énergie de 6 semaines délivré par un ergothérapeute
Divisé en 2 groupes : groupe 1 : intervention immédiate et groupe 2 : liste d’attente
FIS et SF-36 mesurées 4 fois avant et après le programme Mise en évidence de l’efficacité immédiate du programme comparé à l’effet à 1 an Amélioration dans tous les sous-scores de la FIS et dans 4 domaines de la SF-36 qui perdurent à 1 an
Les effets positifs des programmes de conservation d’énergie délivrés par un ergothérapeute sont maintenus à 1 an

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Apr 23, 2017 | Posted by in PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION | Comments Off on Self care programs and multiple sclerosis: Physical therapeutics treatment – literature review

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