Models and Materials for Exercise Promotion in Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care: Completion of the ‘Exercise in Medicine’ Development Process

Purpose: Health care providers have highlighted the need for tools and resources that support promotion of exercise behavior within comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) care. This study involved a final
quality improvement evaluation of exercise promotion models and materials for inclusion within
this setting.
Methods and materials: Our research team distributed a paper-based survey containing Likert scales,
open answer questions, and copies of the models for editing. We distributed this survey among health
care providers across the United States. We conducted a novel mixed-methods analysis evaluating quantitative, qualitative, and creative data.
Results: We received completed surveys from 13 health care providers who strongly rated the clarity and
applicability of the models and materials, and reported that no major improvements were necessary. The
minor improvements were specific per comprehensive MS care center. The feedback indicated that the
“Exercise in Medicine” models and materials are guides such that the processes should be integrated into
real world practice by amending roles and responsibilities with the team members and structure per
comprehensive MS care center.
Conclusion: This paper presents finalized models and materials for exercise promotion within comprehensive MS care that are ready to be tested for feasibility and efficacy in a clinical trial.