A self-management program to prevent falls in ambulatory and non-ambulatory community dwelling people with multiple sclerosis

Among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), falls can lead to fear of falling, injuries and/or compromised quality of life.

MS fall prevention research has overwhelmingly focused on ambulatory PwMS and failed to address the unique needs of non-ambulatory PwMS.

This project’s overall aim is to develop, deliver, and evaluate an innovative fall prevention program for ambulatory and non-ambulatory PwMS.

The program will use a comprehensive intervention approach to address a variety of fall risk factors, and utilise self-management strategies.

Aims:1) To design a fall prevention program, that addresses diverse fall risk factors and utilises self-management strategies, for ambulatory and non-ambulatory PwMS using a co-design process;2) To determine if the fall prevention program is effective in reducing falls in ambulatory and non-ambulatory PwMS.3) To identify change processes that can explain the potential effects of the fall prevention program.In line with the recommendations for complex interventions, the program will be developed and evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods, and evaluation of both process and outcome will occur.

The program will be developed in a co-design process with PwMS and health professionals and evaluated via a randomised controlled trial. MS-specific representatives from Neuro Sweden will be involved in program design and implementation.