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Experiences of receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
- Source :
- Disability & Rehabilitation; Mar2023, Vol. 45 Issue 5, p772-783, 12p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in receiving a diagnosis, to derive a conceptual understanding of adjustment to MS diagnosis. Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies that explored views and experiences around MS diagnosis. Papers were quality-appraised using a standardised checklist. Data synthesis was guided by principles of meta-ethnography, a well-established interpretive method for synthesising qualitative evidence. Thirty-seven papers were selected (with 874 people with MS). Synthesis demonstrated that around the point of MS diagnosis people experienced considerable emotional upheaval (e.g., shock, denial, anger, fear) and difficulties (e.g., lengthy diagnosis process) that limited their ability to make sense of their diagnosis, leading to adjustment difficulties. However, support resources (e.g., support from clinicians) and adaptive coping strategies (e.g., acceptance) facilitated the adjustment process. Additionally, several unmet emotional and informational support needs (e.g., need for personalised information and tailored emotional support) were identified that, if addressed, could improve adjustment to diagnosis. Our synthesis highlights the need for providing person-centred support and advice at the time of diagnosis and presents a conceptual map of adjustment for designing interventions to improve adjustment following MS diagnosis. The period surrounding Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis can be stressful and psychologically demanding. Challenges and disruptions at diagnosis can threaten sense of self, resulting in negative emotions. Adaptive coping skills and support resources could contribute to better adjustment following diagnosis. Support interventions should be tailored to the needs of newly diagnosed people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- MENTAL health
MULTIPLE sclerosis
MULTIPLE sclerosis diagnosis
META-synthesis
ONLINE information services
PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems
WELL-being
MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems
SYSTEMATIC reviews
PATIENTS' attitudes
RESEARCH funding
PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation
MEDLINE
THEMATIC analysis
EMOTIONS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09638288
- Volume :
- 45
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Disability & Rehabilitation
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 161895560
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2046187