Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with no known cure that attacks the protective coverings of nerves which results in a communication malfunction between the body and central nervous system. Common symptoms include numbness, fatigue, impaired coordination, and muscle spasms. About 1 million adults live with MS in the US (National Multiple Sclerosis Society [NMSS], 2019).

Objectives

(1) To increase knowledge and awareness about MS through documentary film using WebEx technology (2) Increase awareness of national, state, and local MS resources.

Methods

A pre-experimental, posttest only research design assessed the impact of using WebEx technology to increase knowledge and awareness about MS and available resources. WebEx is an online video conferencing technology used to conduct online meetings and webinars, including screen share and chat functions. Participants viewed a 2019 documentary film, “When We Walk,” about a filmmaker’s personal experience with primary progressive MS, followed by a 30-minute virtual panel discussion. Participants could also post questions in the chat function during the film screening and panel discussion. Five panelists included two persons living with MS, an NMSS MS Navigator Program representative, UNC Charlotte ADA Coordinator, and a local neurologist. Nineteen of the 29 participants (65.5%) completed a confidential 24-item post-event electronic survey (via Qualtrics).

Results

Results. The majority of participants were female (n=17; 89.47%) and between the ages of 45 to 64 years old (n=13; 68.52%). Participants included 3 persons of color (Hispanic/Latino; Black/African American; African) (16.66%), 14 Caucasians (77.78%), and 1 other ethnicity (5.56%). Participants were highly educated: trade/technical/vocational training (n=1), Associates degree (n=1), Bachelor's degree (n=6), Master’s degree (n=6), Doctoral or Professional degree (n=5). Twelve participants were affiliated with UNC Charlotte (63.15%) and 7 participants reported other affiliations.

The overwhelming majority of participants (n=18; 94.74%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that “participation in the MS documentary screening and panel discussion increased my knowledge of MS and its related symptomatology”. Eighteen participants (94.74%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” “participation in the MS film screening and panel discussion increased my knowledge of available resources at UNC Charlotte and the surrounding area”. All participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that “the virtual event met my expectations”. Seventeen participants (94.44%) rated the “When We Walk” film screening and panel experience as “excellent.”

Conclusions

Conclusions. The results of this virtual educational intervention suggest that WebEx is an effective virtual technology as is the use of documentary film and panel discussion to increase participant knowledge and awareness of MS and available MS resources.