A feasibility study of a manualized resilience-based telehealth program for persons with multiple sclerosis and their support partners

Background: Resilience is a protective factor that emerges when individuals are faced with challenges and stressors. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that introduces a great deal of stress for the individual and his/her support partner. We designed a telehealth resilience-building dyadic program for persons with MS (PwMS) and their support partners. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of the resilience intervention. The secondary objective was to assess the benefits of the intervention. Methods: Sixty-two participants (M = 49.5 years, 31 dyads of PwMS) and support partners) were recruited to participate. Out of the 31 dyads, 26 were spouses, 2 were cohabiting partners, and 3 were parent-child dyads. Results: The feasibility goals of the intervention were met, as determined by high participant satisfaction and acceptable completion rates. Preliminary outcomes relating to resilience were positive, suggesting that this intervention had a positive impact on participants. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first resilience-building intervention delivered via telehealth for both PwMS and their support partners. The study showed an increase in resilience-building skills for addressing the challenges faced by PwMS and their support partners. These skills can be promoted and taught, clinically supported by telehealth, an affordable, accessible healthcare solution.