Digital health solution to support patients and healthcare professionals manage MS-related fatigue

The problem

In the UK, approximately 1 in 500 people are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), with fatigue consistently recognised as one of the most debilitating symptoms, significantly affecting quality of life.

A recent survey of over 4,200 people with MS in the UK revealed that 90% experience fatigue, yet only 3% are offered exercise-based treatments, and just 6% are provided with behavioural-based interventions. Cognitive and behavioural treatments, including exercise, are not routinely available through the NHS.

Currently, patients face a minimum three-month wait for a referral to a specialist fatigue management course. These courses typically emphasise managing secondary fatigue, offering advice on exercise or energy conservation, and directing patients to other organisations for mindfulness guidance. However, they often lack a combined and flexible approach.

Additionally, while some patients with MS find relief from fatigue through existing drug treatments, this is not the case for everyone, and side effects are common. Research suggests that non-drug interventions can have a substantial impact on reducing fatigue levels, further underscoring the need for alternative approaches.

This research demonstrates a clear gap in the market for non-drug, fatigue-focused treatments; a gap that this solution aims to address.

Our solution 

Currently, there are no other digital apps or fatigue management pathways available within the NHS for individuals with long-term conditions or those dealing with MS-related fatigue.

In collaboration with King’s College London, we developed an innovative digital health solution, drawing on cutting-edge research, design, and engineering, to ensure it benefits both patients and healthcare providers.

Patients will have the app "prescribed" by their healthcare professionals as part of their care plan. The app offers a personalised approach, delivering tailored interventions such as exercise, balance training, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help reduce fatigue. It also provides valuable information and educational resources about MS, whilst giving patients the opportunity to be flexible in their fatigue management approach whilst being supported  by their healthcare professional.

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Patient-facing mobile app

Built for patients living with MS and experiencing fatigue. REFUEL-MS will improve accessibility to a fatigue management programme aimed at reducing the severity and impact of fatigue in MS. 

The app’s features give patients the ability to: 

• Track their fatigue through a bi-weekly check in. 
• Set personalised health goals. 
• Access to balance, exercise and cognitive behavioural based content. 
• Communicate with their HCPs.

Overall, this app allows patients to have access to more insights about their MS, better ability to manage fatigue and improved communication with their HCP. 

Healthcare professional solution 

A web portal designed to be used by clinicians, including physiotherapists, psychologists and occupational therapists allows HCPs to access data shared by patients through their mobile app. 

Using the solution, healthcare professionals can: 

• Review patients progress through their app, including sleep, thoughts and fatigue levels. 
• Use communication features to contact patients through the app. 
• Support patients through their progress within the app

These features allow HCPs to provide better, more personalised care to their patients. They are also able to discuss any changes during appointments and identify these changes early.

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