Study: Impact of using assistive technology among people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Researcher: Luke Squires, Val Morrison
Posted: 19.06.24
What were the project objectives?
To establish the nature and level of Assistive Technology use or abandonment amongst those affected by Multiple Sclerosis
To identify the physical and psychological experience of Assistive Technology use and the role played by illness acceptance, expectations of Assistive Technology, social support, personal mood and other personal characteristics.
What were the outcomes of the project?
70 adults with a diagnosis of MS took part in our 3-wave longitudinal survey. The key finding was that the number of Assistive Technology devices used reduced both the physical and psychological impact of MS and that personal optimism strengthened this relationship. Implications for supported Assistive Technology use and managing patient expectations in order to retain optimism were drawn. The study was reported on the MS Society website, and is being prepared for publication in Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology.
How did members of the Research Engagement Panel Contribute to the project?
This study was completed prior to the launch of the Research Engagement Panel, however, people with MS contributed to the design of the study. We hope that the Research Engagement Panel will enable more public involvement in our studies!