| 40) Schneider and Young (2010) | Phenomenology | 7 (0♂) patients with MS Sub-type PP 3 RR 4 Mean age: 50.4 years Age range: 41 - 55 years Mean time with illness: 6.1 years Mean time until diagnosis: not given. | Sampling: snowball Eligibility: a) females between 40 - 55 years of age who had been formally diagnosed with either PP or RR multiple sclerosis, b) diagnosis had been in place for a minimum of two years Setting: Patients home and telephone Study geographical location: Canada | Data collection tool: semi-structured interview schedule. Considering physical activity, coping stressors and quality of life. Study Aim: “examine the specific coping strategies they used when managing their MS, in relation to their participation in physical activity” (page 3) Average interview time: not given. Interview time range: 19 - 53 mins Analysis: Thematic analysis |
| 41) Somerset et al. (2002) | Phenomenology | 16 (8♂) patients with MS Sub-types Not given Mean age: 46.1 years Age range: 31 - 72 years Mean time with illness: 12.1 years. Range 1 - 30 Mean time until diagnosis: not given. | Sampling: Maximum variation sampling Eligibility: a) individuals who had MS, b) individuals who attended a day centre. Setting: MS day centre Study geographical location: United Kingdom | Data collection tool: semi-structured interview schedule focused on experiences Study Aim: “establish the elements of life that were important for the participants. These experiences were then shaped into a broad picture that went some way to elucidate and to expand issues that are common to many people with MS, to suggest how they link together and to highlight possible opportunities for intervention and participation that might improve quality of life. (page 152) Average interview time: Interview time range: 60 - 90 mins Analysis: thematic analysis |
| 42) Soundy et al. (2012) | Phenomenology | 11 (4♂) patients with MS sub-types SP 6 RR 5 Mean age: 54.5 years Age range: 42 - 69 years Mean time with illness: 17.0 years Mean time until diagnosis: not given | Sampling: purposive Eligibility: a) individuals who had MS, b) individuals who were part of a larger study. Setting: MS community centre or Rehabilitation centre Study geographical location: United Kingdom | Data collection tool: semi-structured interviews focusing on 5 sections relating to hope, control, the MS, information and interaction Study Aim: “analyse patient’s expression of hope and consider how these expressions fall within the paradox of chronic illness.” (page 345) Average interview time: not given Interview time range: not given Analysis: thematic with apriori concepts |
| 43) Thorne et al. (2004) | Interpretative | 12(2♂) patients with MS Sub-types Not given Mean age: not given Age range: 33 - 54 years Mean time with illness: not given Mean time until diagnosis: not given. | Sampling: purposive Eligibility: (a) Patients with MS who have been diagnosed for at least 5 years Setting: Patients home or “convenient location” Study geographical location: Canada | Data collection tool: Study Aim: “we posed the question How do persons with MS describe and explain helpful and unhelpful communications in their health care?” (page 8) Average interview time: not given Interview time range: 1 - 2 hours each Analysis: thematic analysis with INVIVO software |
| 44) Thannhauser (2009) | Grounded theory | 4(1♂) patients with MS Sub-types Not given Mean age: not given Age range: 14 - 21 years Mean time with illness: not given Mean time until diagnosis: not given. | Sampling: Convenience and discriminatory Eligibility: (a) diagnosed with MS before the age of 18 years. Setting: Patient’s home Study geographical location: Canada | Data collection tool: semi-structured interview with 10 open questions and one focus group. Focused on the role of the peer relationship. Study Aim: “the following benefits: a) increasing understanding of the experiences of individuals with pediatric MS, b) guiding future research in this area, and c) guiding the development of programs, interventions, and services for children and adolescents with pediatric MS” (page 2) Average interview time: 1 hour Interview time range: not given Analysis: Grounded theory |
| 45) Riessman (2003) | Case study | 2(2♂) patients with MS Sub-types Not given Mean age: 40.5 Age range: not given. Mean time with illness: not given Mean time until diagnosis: not given. | Sampling: purposive Eligibility: (a) had a diagnosis of MS Setting: University setting Study geographical location: United States of America | Data collection tool: In-depth interviews. Masculinity in the face of illness is explored. Study Aim: analysis of life history interview Average interview time: Interview time range: Analysis: narrative analysis |