Perspectives on End of Life in Individuals with MS
In a study, 22 individuals with MS and 5 key informants were interviewed. Participants reported that concerns like self-agency, stigma, and maintaining hope were significant as the disease progressed. While they valued autonomy in decision-making, they acknowledged that MS complicated end-of-life (EOL) decisions, often seeking cues from family and healthcare providers regarding cognitive changes.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding the perspectives of individuals with MS on EOL issues highlights the emotional and social complexities surrounding their experiences. This knowledge can inform supportive care approaches and conversations about end-of-life options.
What this does not prove
The findings may not reflect the views of all individuals with MS, especially those with advanced symptoms or from diverse demographics.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-08-10
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Individuals with MS in Saskatchewan, Canada
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidencePerspectives on End of Life and Medical Assistance in Dying From Saskatchewan People With Multiple Sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2025-047
Supporting passages (7)
sample size basisMETHODS: Using an interpretive description methodology, 22 interviews were conducted with individuals with MS and 5 with key informants for data triangulation.
publication datePublication date: 2026-08-10
populationSaskatchewan's multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence rate is among the highest in the world, and some individuals with MS have already accessed MAID.
findingsRESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 41.8 years with a wide variability in symptom severity. Their main concerns were retaining self-agency, combating stigma, and leaning into hope and positivity. While valuing decision-making autonomy, they recognized that MS can complicate EOL decision-making. Participants looked to family and health care providers for cues about cognitive changes and found that hope and positivity provided comfort as the disease progressed.
limitationsTitle: Perspectives on End of Life and Medical Assistance in Dying From Saskatchewan People With Multiple Sclerosis.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsTitle: Perspectives on End of Life and Medical Assistance in Dying From Saskatchewan People With Multiple Sclerosis.
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.