46) Isaksson and Ahlström (2006)

Phenomenology

61 (22♂) patients with MS

Sub-types

Not given

Mean age: 42 years

Age range: 20 - 70 years

Mean time with illness: not given. Median 4 years. Range 1 - 15 years

Mean time until diagnosis: not given.

Sampling: Purposive

Eligibility: (a) Patients diagnosed with MS for a period of at least 6 months

Setting: Patients home or secluded room in hospital

Study geographical location: Sweden

Data collection tool: Semi-structured interview with open questions. Focus on patients experiences pre and post diagnosis with MS

Study Aim: “to describe patients’ conceptions of MS before they were diagnosed as well as their illness experiences connected with the initial symptoms and diagnosis” (page 229)

Average interview time: not given

Interview time range: not given.

Analysis: content analysis

47) Wollin et al. (2006)

Phenomenology

13 (?♂) patients with MS

Sub-types

Not given

Mean age: not given

Age range: 23 - 55 years

Mean time with illness: not given.

Mean time until diagnosis: not given.

Sampling: not given

Eligibility: a) Patients diagnosed with MS, b) over 18 years old, c) able to speak English, d) able to give consent

Setting: Patients home

Study geographical location: Australia

Data collection tool: Semi-structured interview with open questions. Focus on patient’s experiences with MS, focus on finances, future, social support coping, and quality of life were made.

Study Aim: “aimed to explore the needs of people with Ms and gain insight into their views on what services and support are required” (page 20)

Average interview time: not given

Interview time range: 1 to 2 hours

Analysis: content analysis