Pilot study of an energy conservation education program delivered by telephone conference call to people with multiple sclerosis

Background. Little is known about the strengths and limitations of teleconference delivery for energy conservation education for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated such a program to address this gap. Methods. Data were collected from 28 individuals with MS who participated in a teleconference-delivered energy conservation education program. Participants shared their perspectives on the course and its delivery format. Session notes from the three occupational therapists who delivered the program were also reviewed. Findings. Participants found the format to be convenient and relaxed, and the content to be relevant to their everyday lives. Technical issues, lack of time for sharing, and lack of time to practice strategies were limitations. Although the format challenged the occupational therapists' group leadership skills, they were surprised at the extent of group cohesion that developed using this format. Implications. Feedback from both people with MS and occupational therapists suggests that providing energy conservation education by teleconference is acceptable, practical, and worth pursuing in the future.

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Effects of Cognition on Quiz Performance, Behavior Change, and Vitality After Energy Conservation Course Among People With Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073-9.1.13 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 13-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marcia Finlayson ◽

Eynat Shevil ◽

Ping Luo ◽

Hua Yun Chen ◽

Virgil Mathiowetz

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Energy Conservation ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Education Program ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Word List ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Conservation Education ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Actual Behavior

This secondary analysis of randomized control trial data evaluated the influence of cognitive abilities on the outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who participated in a 6-week community-based energy conservation education program. Baseline measures of cognitive status included the four scales from the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS: Consistent Long-Term Retrieval Test (CLTR), Word List Generation Test (WLGT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Spatial Recall Test (SRT). Scores on knowledge quizzes, number of energy conservation strategies used postintervention, and change in SF-36 vitality subscale postintervention were analyzed via multiple regression and generalized estimating equation models. After adjusting for age, education, and sex, only SRT influenced scores on the knowledge quizzes and change in the level of vitality postintervention. CLTR, WLGT, and PASAT scores influenced the use of energy conservation strategies, after similar adjustment. In conclusion, cognitive abilities have a differential influence on outcomes in an energy conservation education program for people with MS. Actual behavior change postintervention was influenced the most by cognitive abilities.

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Amur tiger conservation education program: A pilot study on program effectiveness

Integrative Zoology ◽

10.1111/1749-4877.12145 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 403-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Anna S. MUKHACHEVA ◽

Vasilissa V. DERUGINA ◽

Galina D. MAKSIMOVA ◽

Svetlana V. SOUTYRINA

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Education Program ◽

Program Effectiveness ◽

Conservation Education ◽

Amur Tiger ◽

Tiger Conservation

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Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a 3-Week Inpatient Energy Management Education Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis–Related Fatigue

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073.2018-058 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 265-274 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ruth Hersche ◽

Andrea Weise ◽

Gisela Michel ◽

Jürg Kesselring ◽

Marco Barbero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Energy Conservation ◽

Energy Management ◽

Education Program ◽

Behavioral Change ◽

Management Education ◽

Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽

Inpatient Setting ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Fatigue Management

Abstract Background: Energy conservation strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are valid parts of outpatient fatigue management education in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In many European countries, multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people with MS is chiefly delivered in specialized rehabilitation centers, where they benefit from short intensive inpatient rehabilitation annually. However, no evidence-based and standardized fatigue management education program compatible with the inpatient setting is available. Methods: Based on a literature search and the expertise of occupational therapists (OTs), a manualized group-based Inpatient Energy Management Education (IEME) program for use during 3-week inpatient rehabilitation that incorporates energy conservation and cognitive behavioral management approaches was developed. An IEME pilot program operated by trained OTs included 13 people with MS-related fatigue. The experiences of the IEME users and OTs were collected during focus groups to refine the program's materials and verify its feasibility in the inpatient setting. Results: The program was feasible in an inpatient setting and met the needs of the people with MS. Targeted behaviors were taught to all participants in a clinical context. In-charge OTs were able to effect behavioral change through IEME. Conclusions: Users evaluated the evidence-based IEME program positively. The topics, supporting materials, and self-training tasks are useful for the promotion and facilitation of behavioral change. The next step is a clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of IEME and to evaluate relevant changes in self-efficacy, fatigue impact, and quality of life after patients return home.

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