Evaluation of a pilot relapse support service (RSS) for people with multiple sclerosis – “a tiny pot of sunshine in my pocket”

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses are unpredictable in onset, severity, type of symptoms, and duration. They can have a profound effect on a person's daily activities, employment, relationships with friends and family, and social life. Individual budgets may be a means of providing personalised, timely, and flexible support to people with MS in preparation for, and during, a relapse. This paper aims to report on a pilot scheme that aimed to help people with MS to prepare for future relapse.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an evaluation of a one year pilot scheme conducted in East Sussex, UK, that aimed to help people with MS to prepare for future relapse by a process of tailored relapse support planning, in combination with the provision of an individual grant of £750.

Findings

An independent, mixed methods evaluation (n=12) was conducted incorporating telephone and face‐to‐face interviews, focus groups, and self‐reported questionnaires. The evaluation indicated that the service was valued by participants and that, overall, they reported feeling more in control of managing a relapse or worsening of symptoms.

Originality/value

The results will inform the development and expansion of the service, with larger scale research projects required to further establish the evidence base.

Citation

Thomas, P.W., Thomas, S. and Allen, H. (2012), "Evaluation of a pilot relapse support service (RSS) for people with multiple sclerosis – “a tiny pot of sunshine in my pocket”", Social Care and Neurodisability, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 89-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/20420911211240948