Expectations of Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Their Families: A Qualitative Study in Iran

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that is most commonly observed among young people. Drug and non-drug treatments are used to prevent the progression of the disease and to control illness-related disorders. Patients with MS often have multiple and complicated needs that require a broad spectrum of health services. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify the expectations of individuals with MS and their families for healthcare services. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This article is part of a qualitative case study. The participants were selected by a purposive sampling method. In this study, semi-structured interviews of 20 individuals with MS and 8 family members were conducted to identify the expectations of MS patients and their families. In addition to the interviews, the documents related to the aim of the study, including weblogs, MS magazines, special websites of individuals with MS, and news agencies were gathered. Analysis of data was performed by a conventional content analysis method. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged from 22–63 years. The data obtained from this study was classified into 5 main categories as follows: being cured, need for comfort, promoting knowledge, economic welfare, and social security. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with MS and their families had different expectations pertaining to all dimensions of life, such that not meeting the needs related to any dimension could have affect the other dimensions. Therefore, it is necessary for healthcare providers to have a holistic assessment as well as try to meet all needs and expectations.