Self-generation strategies can be used to improve learning and memory of functional activities in persons with multiple sclerosis, including meal preparation and managing finances. Goverover and coworkers examined the utility of using a self-generation strategy to improve learning and performance of everyday functional tasks in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). A mixed-design with both a within- and between-subject factor was employed in a nonprofit rehabilitation research institution. Participants included 20 patients with MS and 18 healthy control subjects. Participants completed two-meal preparation and two financial management tasks. One task in each area was presented in the provided condition, in which all instructions were provided to and read by the participants, and the other task was presented in the generated condition, in which participants were asked to generate (fill in the blank) the necessary items needed to perform each step of the task. Main outcome measures included correct recall of task items and step sequence immediately and one week after initial learning, and correct performance of task items and step sequence 30 minutes after initial learning. The maximum possible score in each of the recall tests was 24. Although the MS and healthy groups did not differ in overall items recalled, in both groups tasks learned in the generated condition enhanced memory performance significantly for the tasks used when compared with similar tasks learned in the provided condition.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Self-generation of treatment options during learning can significantly improve subsequent recall of information and performance of activities of daily living for persons with MS. Health care providers and patients with chronic disorders who are excellent at making treatment decisions are also superb at generating possible actions they take before deciding which would be the best action to take.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: Learning self-management skills does not mean that you perform the skills in a rote manner. On the basis of the self-monitoring you perform, you must decide if you are faced with a situation requiring action on your part. You can then generate, often in a rapid manner, which alternative would be the most likely to achieve your aims. Self-generation, as used in the study by Goverover and colleagues, would be a skill that you can develop with performance. It is invaluable in self-management.

Y Goverover et al. Self-Generation to Improve Learning and Memory of Functional Activities in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Meal Preparation and Managing Finances. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, June 27, 2008.