Investigating the coping strategies and interaction with healthcare of people living with Motor Neurone Disease

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Motor Neurone Disease is a terminal illness with no known cause or cure. People diagnosed with this illness gradually lose their ability to move, speak, eat and breathe, this can mean people may end their lives with a body unable to react to any commands but a mind which is still engaged and active.Research shows that it is not only the physical symptoms of this illness, but the effects upon family life, working life, changing sense of identity and social life that greatly affect the quality of life of people with Motor Neurone Disease.At present medical care focuses upon the physical symptoms of this illness but although we know the psychological and social effects of this illness are just as devastating there is very little research into how to help people with Motor Neurone Disease deal with this. This project aims to investigate, through interviewing people with Motor Neurone Disease and others involved in their care, to better understand how people cope with the emotional effects of Motor Neurone Disease and the actions they take so they can find satisfaction in their life. To understand these issues will allow us to provide better healthcare for people with Motor Neurone Disease that meets all their needs not just their physical needs.