Experiences of receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in receiving a diagnosis, to derive a conceptual understanding of adjustment to MS diagnosis.

Methods

Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies that explored views and experiences around MS diagnosis. Papers were quality-appraised using a standardised checklist. Data synthesis was guided by principles of meta-ethnography, a well-established interpretive method for synthesising qualitative evidence.

Results

Thirty-seven papers were selected (with 874 people with MS). Synthesis demonstrated that around the point of MS diagnosis people experienced considerable emotional upheaval (e.g., shock, denial, anger

SUBMITTER: Topcu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9928430 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature