Kan god oppfølging bedre livskvalitet hos nydiagnostiserte MS-pasienter?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine patients recently diagnosed with MS, and determine how the follow-up at Oslo University Hospital affects their quality of life. The patients were originally included in an ongoing study MSImcogen . In our study 74 patients was included, three patients had primary progressive MS, the rest had relapsing remitting MS. The patients answered questionnaires such ass Beck depression Inventory, fatigue severity scale and a life quality score, SF-12. In addition, we read through their medical journals, finding different facts that could help us to determine whether the follow-up at OUS was adequate. These facts were for example: how many different doctors they had been in contact with during their follow-up, how many days from symptom to diagnosis, and how many consultations they have had during one year. The results of these findings were categorized in two different groups, based on whether the patients had a good follow-up or not. 60 % of the patients fulfil our criteria for good follow-up. So, is the quality of life better in patients with an adequate follow-up? 70% of the included patients reported that they were satisfied with the health service, but we were not able to find any significant difference in quality of life between the two groups. What we did find was that both depression and fatigue was sensationally widespread among these patients. There are many aspects that influence the patients well-being and quality of life and it is difficult to measure an isolated variable. Follow-up by itself is just one piece of the puzzle, and of that reason we as health care providers are obliged to practice an overall assessment of our patients.