Cognitive Symptom Awareness Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Using a Mobile Application.

Abstract

Purpose: Cognitive impairment is a common complication in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a mobile application has been shown to improve patient's awareness of cognitive symptoms. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve awareness of cognitive symptoms in adult patients with MS using a mobile application.

Design: A pre/post-implementation quality improvement design was used.

Methods: Patients were instructed to download the application MS Care Connect. Patients completed a pre/post-questionnaire regarding their awareness of cognitive symptoms and if they were likely to discuss symptoms with providers. They were instructed to use the application to rate the severity of their cognitive symptoms at least weekly.

Results: Thirty-two patients completed both pre- and post-implementation questionnaires. No significant change in awareness of cognitive symptoms was found; however, patients were more likely to discuss cognitive changes with their healthcare team. In the 18 patients who used the application, a total of 60 cognitive symptom ratings were reported.

Clinical relevance to the practice of rehabilitation nursing: Nurses may recommend use of a mobile application for patients to track their cognitive symptoms; however, further research is needed.

Conclusion: This project showed that adding a mobile application did not change awareness of patients' cognitive symptoms.