Effect of Collaborative Care on Fear of Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Fears about the future and uncertainty in multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the patients’ adaptation and well-being. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of collaborative care on the fear of disease progression in MS patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients and their main caregivers were assigned into study groups (36 in the intervention and 43 in the control group) by randomized minimization method. For the intervention group, the collaborative care model was implemented in seven sessions over nine weeks. The data were collected using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FOP Q-SF). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk, chi-square, Fisher Exact, independent, and paired t-tests. Results: A near-significant difference was found between the groups after the intervention (P = 0.051). However, in intragroup comparisons, the FOP score significantly decreased in the intervention group (P = 0.001) and increased in the control group after the intervention (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Collaborative care could potentially be an effective strategy for managing FOP in patients with MS.