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Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of participating in a community-based fatigue management programme for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Method. Eight people with MS who participated in an 8-week community-based fatigue management programme were interviewed using a semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol. Data were analysed using constant comparative analysis informed by a phenomenological perspective.
Results. Participants experienced ownership, active participation and empowerment. Participants’ fatigue was legitimised and validated, and participants described a shared experience and shared voice. Outcomes identified by participants included: lifestyle and occupational changes, altered thinking about fatigue and the development of social supports.
Conclusion. Participants’ experience of the community-based fatigue management programme was described in positive terms with unanticipated benefits and outcomes described.
Acknowledgement
The authors thank the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Aidan Larkin (M.S. Society) and research colleagues Maria Ward and Grace Kelly for their support throughout this project. They also thank the research participants who gave freely of their time for this study. Portions of this article were presented at the World Congress of Occupational Therapy in Sydney, Australia, in 2006.