Satisfaction of Patients With Severe Multiple Sclerosis and Their Family Members With Palliative Care: Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: Patients with MS should be provided palliative care, which could help them manage symptoms more efficiently and could solve some psychosocial problems. Evaluating the satisfaction with provided care may be one of the factors of the quality of care evaluation. Aim: The aim of this controlled intervention study was to determine the factors affecting one’s satisfaction with care in patients in advanced stages of MS and their caregivers. Furthermore, the aim was to study the difference in the satisfaction of patients and family members with the provided specialized palliative care, as opposed to the standard care. Methods: The sample consisted of 103 patients with MS who were randomized to either a palliative care intervention or the control group. Family members of each patient were invited in the study, and 97 caregivers agreed to participe. The patients in the intervention group were provided with neuropalliative care in the form of consultations with a multidisciplinary palliative team. A modified questionnaire, CANHELP Lite, was used to collect data. Patients and family members completed the questionnaire 3 months after the intervention. Results: The patients and caregivers in the intervention group expressed significantly greater satisfaction in all analyzed areas (p = 0.000-0.002). The provided intervention predicted the satisfaction in the domains of a relationship with the doctor, disease management, and decision-making/communication. Another important predictor of the satisfaction in all domains was the functional state of the patient. Conclusion: Targeted consultations resulted in the greater satisfaction of patients with MS and their caregivers with the provided care.