Feasibility trial of a telehealth support group intervention to reduce anxiety in multiple sclerosis
Anne Kever, Ines Aguerre, Wendy Vargas, Rebecca Straus Farber, L. Levine, Claire Riley, Minnelly Vasquez, Victoria M. Leavitt
Abstract
Objective Anxiety is common among persons with MS (PwMS), but widely accepted treatments are lacking. Group-based interventions delivered via telehealth are an accessible treatment option requiring clinical trial evidence to support feasibility and initial efficacy. We conducted a pilot feasibility trial of an online support group intervention to reduce anxiety in PwMS. Methods A non-randomized, parallel arm clinical trial was conducted. A total of 31 PwMS were enrolled: 20 completed a 12-week telehealth-delivered support group intervention and 11 were assigned to a survey-only control group. Primary feasibility outcomes were adherence and completion rates. Primary efficacy outcome was anxiety, secondary outcomes were depression, loneliness, distress, self-efficacy, stress, and quality of life. Results Twenty-six participants completed the study. Intervention group adherence (75%) and completion (85%) rates were acceptable. Results indicated a medium size between-group effect, suggesting a greater reduction in anxiety in the intervention group compared to the control group [ U = 39.50, p = 0.045, r = 0.39]. No group differences in other outcomes were observed. Conclusion A telehealth-delivered support group intervention appears feasible for further study and shows initial efficacy for the reduction of anxiety in PwMS.