Background: Assessment of self-efficacy has been a focus of Can Do MS programs given prior research showing associations between higher self-efficacy and improved motivation, psychological well-being, adherence to treatment, health screening, weight loss, regular exercise, and health-related quality of life (Dicker et al., 2021; OLeary, 1985; Peters et al., 2019). To date, participant-reported outcomes, program satisfaction surveys, and participant testimonials have suggested that Can Do MS programs support increases in self-efficacy and quality of life. A 2013 investigation (Ng A et al 2013 of an in-person Can Do program demonstrated improvement in self efficacy. However, additional investigation is needed to determine continued efficacy of Can Do MS programs delivered virtually and in-person. Objectives: Primary: To determine if Can Do MS programs can help improve participant outcomes. Secondary: To determine if participant outcomes differ between virtual and in-person program formats. Methods: All program participants for 2021 and 2022 TAKE CHARGE and CAN DO wellness programs will be invited to complete pre and post program surveys. Timing of surveys will be: Pre-Program: within 2 weeks of the program event; Post-Program: Within 2 days immediately following the program event; 3-Month Follow-up: 3 months following the program event and 6-Month Follow-up: 6 months following the program event. Surveys will include the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Scale and NeuroQual Short form QoL scales. Results: All results will be reported in aggregate. Descriptive statistics including group means, standard deviations, medians, ranges, and measures of normality and linearity for deidentified demographic and outcome variables will be obtained for all time points. Given the potential for programs to have differential effects on people with MS and their support partners, descriptive and inferential analyses will be conducted separately for each type of participant. For this proposals primary aim to determine if Can Do MS programs can help improve participant outcomes) analyses will employ repeated measures ANCOVAs and mixed effects regression models to examine the main effects of Time (pre-program, post-program, 3-month follow-up and 6-month follow-up) on outcomes of interest. Analyses will control for any significant covariates, including age, gender, or other demographic or disease-related variables, if applicable. For this proposals secondary aim to determine if participant outcomes differ between virtual and in-person Can Do MS programs analyses will include repeated measures ANCOVAs and mixed effects regression models examining the main effects of Format (virtual versus in-person) and Time (four time points), and any Format X Time interactions. Conclusions: The Can Do MS Outcomes Study will provide valuable data on the impact of Can Do wellness programs.
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