IJMSC Author Spotlight: Ilham Raji, PhD

Ilham Raji, PhD

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In July 2025, the International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care (IJMSC) published Effect of a Therapeutic Patient Education Program on the Quality of Life of People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study, a paper in a series by Ilham Raji, PhD, that supported her dissertation about the effect of a therapeutic patient education (TPE) program on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and knowledge among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). She received her PhD in health sciences from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University and is now a lecturer at the Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques in Morocco. IJMSC sat down with her recently and asked about her paper and research interests.

International Journal of MS Care: Tell us the story of this paper—where did the idea come from? How did you form the team of researchers/authors?

Ilham Raji, PhD (IR): As a health care professional, I have regularly witnessed the significant impact of chronic diseases such as MS–not only on physical functioning, but also on psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Over time, I have become convinced that medical treatment alone is not enough. Many people had to cope with uncertainty, loss of independence, and emotional difficulties that required more than clinical care. This led me to explore the potential of TPE programs as structured, supportive interventions that could provide patients with knowledge, coping strategies, and a greater sense of control over their disease.

The idea for this study arose from 2 considerations: on the one hand, the need to better understand the concrete impact of TPE on individuals living with MS through a rigorous methodological approach compatible with the ethical constraints of the clinical context and on the other hand, the observation of a significant gap in the Moroccan scientific literature concerning nonpharmacological interventions in MS, particularly in relation to quality of life. To our knowledge, this is the first national study to explore this field, which makes our work both innovative and grounded in real-world needs.

The research team came together naturally through interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues and researchers who share a keen interest in chronic disease care and patient-centered approaches. Each member brought complementary expertise in neurology, public health, psychosocial support, or research methodology. Our common goal was to produce relevant evidence to inform practice and, ultimately, to improve the patient experience.

IJMSC: How does this paper fit into the larger work of your dissertation?

IR: As part of my thesis, this study provides a major empirical foundation by providing data on the effectiveness of structured educational interventions, particularly TPE, on the quality of life of patients with MS in Morocco. It establishes an essential link between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, offering insights to inform and improve patient-centered care.

IJMSC: Was anything about this research surprising?

IR: Although the participation of expert patients was planned in our program, what surprised me positively was the real and profound impact they had on the group dynamics. Their testimonies reinforced the participants’ motivation and facilitated the assimilation of educational content. This interaction created a climate of trust and mutual support that far exceeded our initial expectations, demonstrating the importance of including these key players in patient-centered interventions.

IJMSC: How did you get involved in MS research?

IR: I have been involved in this research since the implementation of the very first structured TPE program for patients with MS at our institution (Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah University). My involvement was in the field—by participating in the design, facilitation, and evaluation of the sessions—and in scientific reflection, to measure the real impact of this program on patients.

My interest in MS arose from the observation that these patients, who are often young, face many challenges in their daily lives, and that TPE can be a powerful tool to help them achieve greater autonomy, understanding of their disease, and quality of life. Therefore, being at the forefront of this pioneering program represented a professional, ethical, and human commitment for me.

IJMSC: How does this paper impact clinical practice?

IR: This article makes an important contribution to clinical practice by providing empirical data on the effectiveness of a structured TPE program for people with MS. By highlighting positive effects on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and patient knowledge, it encourages health care professionals to further integrate these educational approaches into multidisciplinary care. It thus supports a shift toward a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach that aims not only to control the disease but also to strengthen autonomy and psychological well-being. Finally, it provides concrete support for the training of health care teams and the development of TPE protocols adapted to local clinical contexts.

IJMSC: What are the next steps for this line of research? What needs to be studied next?

IR: We are currently continuing this line of research by evaluating the impact of the intervention in the medium and long term (at 6 months and 1 year), which will allow us to verify the sustainability of the effects observed at 3 months.

Next, our goal is to strengthen the scientific validity of these results by setting up a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size and rigorous randomization.

Another important area of research will be to analyze the differential effectiveness of the intervention according to the phenotype of MS (relapsing-remitting, progressive, secondary, etc) to adapt management strategies to patient profiles.

Finally, it would also be relevant in a more qualitative approach to cross-reference quantitative data with clinical interviews to better understand the patient experience beyond simple scores.

IJMSC: Can you give us a broader view of how this line of research fits into the larger world of MS care?

IR: Our study is fully in line with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to MS. In fact, beyond basic treatment, current recommendations for MS emphasize the importance of taking into account often overlooked aspects: quality of life, mental health, and therapeutic education….By improving these parameters, we not only influence the patient’s psychological experience, but also their empowerment and ability to better manage their disease on a daily basis, which can have long-term effects on adherence and autonomy. This research paves the way for the integration of this type of program into TPE systems and into the practices of multidisciplinary teams in neurology.

IJMSC: One of the pillars of IJMSC and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers is multidisciplinary care. What role do you see for research in MS care? How do you influence/improve patient care?

IR: Research plays a central role in the multidisciplinary management of MS, as it enables a better understanding of the complexity of the disease and assesses the effectiveness of educational interventions. My work fits into this perspective by providing solid empirical data on the impact of a structured TPE. These results help demonstrate the importance of integrating educational programs into multidisciplinary care pathways.

By promoting close collaboration among neurologists, psychologists, nurses, and other health care professionals, this research helps to promote more comprehensive, personalized, and patient-centered care. Consequently, it influences clinical practices by encouraging more effective care that is better adapted to the real needs of people living with MS, ultimately improving their well-being.

Be sure to keep an eye out as we continue to spotlight other IJMSC authors this fall!