Telehealth and Integrative Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis: Megan Weigel, DNP, APRN-C, APHN-C, MSCN

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

“I see huge benefits for integrative medicine and multiple sclerosis, particularly because the basic tenet of integrative medicine, by definition, is that healing is possible, even when a cure is not. We don't have a cure for multiple sclerosis yet, and when a patient asks us, ‘When is there going to be a cure?’—15 years ago, I was saying the same thing as I am now: ‘It's right around the corner.’ MS therapeutics is bursting at the seams with new therapies, which is amazing.”

The use of integrative medicine (IM) for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was recently explored by Megan Weigel, DNP, APRN-C, APHN-C, MSCN, and colleagues, following a 6-week virtual workshop, which participants joined virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Weigel, founder of First Coast Integrative Medicine in Jacksonville, presented findings at the 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), October 13-15, 2021.  

While the program, entitled “Inspire MS,” was initially developed to be held in-person, Weigel commented on the benefits that telemedicine afforded patients, who were able to join from locations across the country. Additionally, she noted that patients with MS often have to travel longer distances to obtain treatment, but with telehealth, accessibility is increased and programs such as Inspire MS become that much easier to replicate.

Speaking to the use of IM, Weigel also discussed the need for different approaches in the absence of a cure for MS. Modalities such as yoga, journaling, soul therapy, sound therapy, among others, focus more on healing, Weigel said, empowering patients to identify a sense of purpose and creativity in their lives.

For more ECTRIMS coverage, click here.

REFERENCE

Connelly L, Fox M, Weigel M. Evaluation of a 6-week integrative medicine series on quality of life, self-efficacy, and wellness in MS. Presented at ECTRIMS Congress 2021; October 13-15; Virtual. Presentation 044.