Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that requires long-term, multidisciplinary management. The growing digital transformation in healthcare has highlighted the central role of nurses in supporting key aspects such as patient self-management, continuity of (at home) care, and patient empowerment. However, evidence on nurse-led digital interventions in MS remains fragmented. Objective: To map the available literature on nurse-led digital interventions in MS, focusing on the role of nurses, clinical outcomes, and research gaps. Methods: The review was conducted using the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were included if they described digital or telehealth interventions led or coordinated by nurses in patients with MS. Results: A total of 12 studies published between 2015 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Four main thematic areas were identified: (1) telenursing and empowerment-based interventions; (2) mobile and web-based patient self-management programs; (3) digital systems for monitoring and integrated care pathways; and (4) digital interventions targeting symptom management and psychosocial outcomes. Across the studies, nurse-led digital interventions were associated with improvements in self-management, treatment adherence, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors. Positive effects were also reported on clinical outcomes such as fatigue, sleep quality, and balance, as well as on psychosocial variables including quality of life, coping strategies, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the identified systems, in general, contributed to enhanced continuity of care, patient engagement, and organizational efficiency. Conclusions: Nurse-led digital interventions represent a promising approach in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis, supporting both clinical and psychosocial outcomes while enhancing continuity of care. However, the current evidence base remains limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, and short follow-up periods. Future research should prioritize multicenter randomized studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up to strengthen the evidence. Additionally, the integration of digital interventions into routine clinical practice, along with targeted training for nurses, is essential to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and equitable implementation. Further studies should also explore cost-effectiveness and the impact on caregivers and long-term quality of life.
Nurse-Led Digital Interventions for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review
Azzellino, Gianluca
;Aitella, Ernesto;Ginaldi, Lia;De Martinis, Massimo
2026-01-01
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that requires long-term, multidisciplinary management. The growing digital transformation in healthcare has highlighted the central role of nurses in supporting key aspects such as patient self-management, continuity of (at home) care, and patient empowerment. However, evidence on nurse-led digital interventions in MS remains fragmented. Objective: To map the available literature on nurse-led digital interventions in MS, focusing on the role of nurses, clinical outcomes, and research gaps. Methods: The review was conducted using the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were included if they described digital or telehealth interventions led or coordinated by nurses in patients with MS. Results: A total of 12 studies published between 2015 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Four main thematic areas were identified: (1) telenursing and empowerment-based interventions; (2) mobile and web-based patient self-management programs; (3) digital systems for monitoring and integrated care pathways; and (4) digital interventions targeting symptom management and psychosocial outcomes. Across the studies, nurse-led digital interventions were associated with improvements in self-management, treatment adherence, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors. Positive effects were also reported on clinical outcomes such as fatigue, sleep quality, and balance, as well as on psychosocial variables including quality of life, coping strategies, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the identified systems, in general, contributed to enhanced continuity of care, patient engagement, and organizational efficiency. Conclusions: Nurse-led digital interventions represent a promising approach in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis, supporting both clinical and psychosocial outcomes while enhancing continuity of care. However, the current evidence base remains limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, and short follow-up periods. Future research should prioritize multicenter randomized studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up to strengthen the evidence. Additionally, the integration of digital interventions into routine clinical practice, along with targeted training for nurses, is essential to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and equitable implementation. Further studies should also explore cost-effectiveness and the impact on caregivers and long-term quality of life.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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