Benefits of Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Program Participation for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Programs are non-medical service programs providing care and support to people with multiple sclerosis experiencing levels of impairment interfering with employment and activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to identify how program participants think Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Programs benefit them. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 95 people with multiple sclerosis who were Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day program participants. Interviews occurred as part of site visits to ten (10) programs across the country. We supplemented participants' interviews with interviews of Program staff and ethnographic observation of activities at each site over one to three days. Results: Participants reported several benefits from participating in a Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Program. Almost universally, participants explained that receiving and giving social support was the most important benefit. Other positive outcomes described included the following: increased emotional well-being; better understanding and acceptance of multiple sclerosis; practical know-how for accomplishing ordinary tasks; and increased mobility and improved motor functioning. Conclusions: Participants believe that Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Programs have a profound influence on their psychosocial health, much of which they attribute to membership in a socially cohesive community. Clinicians and policy makers should consider these programs for people with multiple sclerosis who have unmet psychosocial needs and experience functional impairments.