The notion of "invisibility" in people's experiences of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis: a systematic meta-synthesis.

Conclusions: This review revealed the manner in which people with MS are affected by the invisibility of their symptoms and the various adaptations used to navigate these lived experiences. We highlight the need to improve clinician and public understanding, and to better respond to these experiences. Future research focusing on the exploration of people's experiences of "invisibility" in MS, including the ways in which "invisibility" is managed on a day-to-day basis could raise clinical and public awareness of the impact of "invisibility" and how to provide support for this, thus easing the dilemmas faced by those with MS.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPeople with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience symptoms that are not overtly visible to others, impacting their emotional and social wellbeing negatively.It is important for healthcare professionals to validate MS patients' experiences around "invisibility" and provide appropriate support.Healthcare professionals should address with MS patients any issues around disclosure of their diagnosis to those around them and support them to navigate these decisions.Raising awareness about the impact of "invisibility" for people with MS may help to lessen patient burden and promote understanding amongst healthcare professionals and the general public. PMID: 32208036 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research