Survey Results

“Staying Connected: An Investigation of How Technology Affects People Living with MS”

“Staying Connected: An Investigation of How Technology Affects People Living with MS” is a comprehensive examination of the role of technology among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The survey, which included a representative sample of 2,390 Americans with MS, found that many people living with MS who experience visual, dexterity, and cognitive challenges report that technology plays a vital role in helping them live with the disease. However, relatively few are using the assistive technologies that could help them overcome many of these challenges.

Technology is moving lives forward, but more can be done

Seventy percent of people surveyed said they are interested in keeping up with the latest technology, and nearly half agreed that “technology plays a vital role in helping me live with MS.” Those with more severe types of MS, and those facing more pronounced visual, fatigue, cognitive, speech or dexterity challenges place even higher importance on technology in helping to move their lives forward and in staying connected.

But when asked if they actually use assistive technology that could make everyday tasks easier, few people indicated they are taking advantage of these special tools:

• Thirty-three percent of respondents said they have trouble typing on a standard computer keyboard, but only 5 percent said they’ve made related adaptations, such as using an alternative keyboard or a voice recognition program.
  
• Thirty percent said they have trouble reading text on a standard screen, but only 6 percent have made adjustments to the computer settings such as increasing font size or using screen magnifiers.

Technology on the job

The survey reinforced the important role technology plays in maintaining a professional career:

• Nearly 40 percent of respondents who are employed agreed that technology makes it possible for them to keep working with their disease.
  
• Nearly half (44 percent) of respondents have had to change their employment status, including switching from full-time to part-time or leaving work altogether, as a result of MS symptoms. Yet very few took advantage of adaptations that might have helped them remain in the workforce: only 12 percent asked their employers for more ergonomic equipment, tools, and furniture, and just 5 percent requested changes to the technology they use.

Technology connects people

The survey also demonstrated how people with MS rely heavily on technology to connect with others—even more so than the general population:

• Ninety-three percent of respondents use computers versus 80 percent of the general population.*
  
• Ninety-three percent use the Internet versus 75 percent; 91 percent use cell phones versus 69 percent.*
  
• When asked how technology keeps people with MS connected to important people in their lives, 67 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with its role, and 53 percent of those who use the Internet said that the Internet helps them be their own advocate with MS.
  
• The general population data is derived from the Simmons National Consumer Survey, Spring, 2006.

About the Survey

StrategyOne, an applied-research consulting firm conducted the study “Staying Connected: An Investigation of How Technology Affects People Living with MS” among 2,390 American adults with MS. The survey was implemented via online and telephone, depending on the preference of the respondent, from May 8, 2007, through June 6, 2007, using the field services of Harris Interactive Service Bureau. The margin of error for the total sample (N=2390) is plus or minus 1.98 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Click here to download the full survey results.