Effect of a nurse-led online patient support program on fatigue, sleep and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis: a quasi-experimental study

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is becoming more prevalent. Physical impairments and sleep issues, particularly fatigue, diminish these patients’ quality of life. One of the most successful and long-lasting strategies for managing symptoms is patient education. The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of a nurse-led online support program on fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the MS outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul. Patients participated in a five-week nurse-led online support program and were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and EQ-5D Quality of Life Scale before, after, and at 3 and 6 months. Patients’ step counts were also recorded. Results: Thirty patients who completed the program were included in the study. Compared to baseline, FSS scores and number of steps improved (p = 0.008, p = 0.008). PSQI scores also improved (p = 0.026). Although there was no difference in EQ-5D symptom scores, the EQ-5D visual analogue scale scores tended to improve (p = 0.085). Conclusions: A nurse-led online support program may be a feasible and resource-efficient approach to managing fatigue and sleep disturbances in PwMS, especially in settings with limited access to care. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on August 24, 2023 (NCT06166043).