Advancing Nurse-Led Self-Regulation in Multiple Sclerosis Management: Developing an Interactive Web-Based Program through Action Research

This study aimed to develop an interactive web-based program, "I Can Manage," to support nurse-led self-regulation in the management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). An action research approach was adopted, utilizing the Spiral Technology Action Research model, which involves the stages of listen, plan, do, study, and act. The study was conducted with 16 nurses and persons with MS (pwMS). Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In the "Listen" stage, existing programs were reviewed, and a descriptive phenomenological study was conducted. In the "Plan" stage, program features were designed based on self-regulation strategies. In the "Do" stage, these features were shared with participants and implemented. In the "Study" stage, participants reevaluated the program in terms of navigation and usability. In the "Act" stage, the program was presented to experts, and participants assessed it using the SUS. Themes that emerged included "emotions that need to be managed," "support required for self-management," "provision of individualized services," "barriers to self-management," and "enhancement of care quality." The Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.96. The mean SUS scores were 90.50±6.93 (nurses) and 88.25±6.87 (pwMS). This study demonstrates how nurses can take leadership roles in identifying patient needs and developing effective web-based programs to enhance self-management and care quality.