READY for MS, a group intervention to promote resilience in people with multiple sclerosis: A single blind RCT with a nested qualitative study.

Introduction: A recent Australian case series study demonstrated that the READY (REsilience and Activity for every DaY) for multiple sclerosis (MS), a group intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy improved the quality of life (QoL) of people with MS. We present the design and baseline data of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of READY for MS. Methods: Single‐blind RCT and nested qualitative study comparing READY for MS with relaxation. Each intervention consisted of 7 weekly group sessions, plus a booster session after 5 weeks. Measures of QoL (54 items MS QoL, MSQOL‐54), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS; Perceived Stress Scale, PSS), resilience (Connor‐Davidson Resilience scale, CDRISC‐25), psychological flexibility (Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes, CompACT) and its protective factors were collected at baseline, after seven, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: Mean (SD) age of participants was 44.9 (9.6), 61.5% were women, 82.1% had relapsing MS, median (range) years from diagnosis 7.0 (0.5‐36.0), and median EDSS 2.0 (0‐6.5). Mean MSQOL‐ 54 composite scores were: Mental Health 58.1 (17.3), Physical Health 59.6 (15.0). Participants with moderate or severe HADS scores were 22/39 (56%) for Anxiety and 19/39 (49%) for Depression. Mean PSS score was 20.8 (3.9); mean CDRISC‐25 score was 51.8 (14.7); and mean CompACT score was 83.5 (22.4). Four intervention groups were conducted with 39 participants: 20 assigned to READY for MS, 19 to relaxation. Two patients (READY for MS) withdrew before beginning the intervention due to unexpected work commitments. Median retention was 7/8 in both arms. Conclusions: This is the first RCT of the READY for MS program. Participants had mild disability, but elevated psychological difficulties, and low levels of resilience. Participant engagement in the RCT was high with only 5% attrition. Findings will be available by May 2018.