Investigating the needs and wants of healthcare providers for promoting exercise in persons with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study

Yvonne C. Learmonth, Brynn C. Adamson, Julia M. Balto, Chung Yi Chiu, Isabel M. Molina-Guzman, Marcia Finlayson, Elizabeth A. Barstow, Robert W. Motl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: We undertook a qualitative study that explored the needs of healthcare providers for promoting exercise behaviour among persons with mild or moderate multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We used interpretive description methodology, and conducted semi-structured interviews with Neurologists (n¼13), occupational therapists (n¼10), physical therapists (n¼11), and nurses (n¼10). The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: We identified three themes with multiple subthemes regarding exercise promotion by healthcare providers. The first theme was “opportunities for exercise promotion” through the healthcare system, healthcare team, and clinical appointment. The second theme was “healthcare provider education” that included professional training, training among healthcare providers, and clear and defined exercise promotion protocols. The third theme was “patient tools/strategies” that should be delivered among persons with MS as part of the exercise prescription. Conclusions: Providers in MS healthcare consider the patient-provider interaction within the healthcare system, healthcare team, and clinical appointment as a novel opportunity for exercise promotion. Such an opportunity requires education of healthcare providers and provision of tools and strategies for exercise promotion among persons with MS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2172-2180
Number of pages9
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation
Volume40
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - May 22 2018

Keywords

  • Behaviour change
  • Exercise
  • Healthcare providers
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Patient-provider interaction
  • Qualitative

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation

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