HOBSCOTCH-MS: Home-based telehealth cognitive coaching for people with multiple sclerosis
HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges Lives (HOBSCOTCH) - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Efficacy Trial
This program will test whether a home-based telehealth cognitive coaching program (HOBSCOTCH-MS) can improve thinking, memory, and quality of life for people with MS and reduce caregiver burden.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06951919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
HOBSCOTCH-MS delivers one-on-one virtual sessions with a certified cognitive coach, starting with a preparatory session followed by eight weekly 45–60 minute sessions focused on self-management, memory strategies, and cognitive training. People with MS are randomized to begin the program immediately or after a three-month waitlist, and optional caregivers may enroll alongside the person with MS. Participants are followed for about six months and will complete measures of quality of life, subjective and objective cognition, problem-solving, self-efficacy, and mood, with caregiver burden and knowledge also tracked. The study will examine which baseline factors predict benefit and whether changes in problem-solving and self-efficacy mediate cognitive and quality-of-life outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–75 with relapsing or progressive MS who report cognitive or memory problems, have at least a high school education, are fluent in English, and have reliable internet and telephone access are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with active severe psychiatric disorders, other neurological illnesses that affect cognition, diagnosed developmental or intellectual disorders, or without internet/telephone access or English fluency are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, HOBSCOTCH-MS could improve everyday thinking and memory, raise quality of life for people with MS, and reduce caregiver stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous HOBSCOTCH programs and other telehealth cognitive rehabilitation trials have shown promising improvements in subjective cognition and quality of life in small studies, but large randomized MS-specific evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria - MS Participant * Age 20 - 75 years * Diagnosis of relapsing or progressive MS * Education of at least Grade 12 or GED * Fluent in English * Subjective cognitive and memory challenges * Internet access * Telephone access Inclusion Criteria - Caregiver Participant * 20 years + * Fluent in English * Caregiver to a MS Participant * Participant MS has given permission to Caregiver to enroll with them * Internet access * Telephone access Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion Criteria MS Participant * Current diagnosed psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or substance use disorder). * Other neurological disorder such as epilepsy, brain tumor, severe brain injury or mild to moderate brain injury with a history of 30 or more minutes' loss of consciousness, or other disorder that would confound the focus on MS * Diagnosed developmental attention, learning, or intellectual disorder; sensory, motor, or physical disability that would prevent engagement with the intervention or render the person unable complete study outcome measures * Exacerbation of MS symptoms (relapse) or ongoing steroid treatment within three months of study enrollment * Significant visual impairment precluding reading or writing * Lack of access to the technical resources (e.g., internet access, telephone) required for participation Exclusion Criteria - Caregiver Participant * Significant visual impairment precluding reading or writing * No reliable telephone or internet access
Where this trial is running
Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth-Health Lebanon — Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elaine T Kiriakopoulos — Dartmouth-Health/Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Meredith E Olenec
- Email: HOBSCOTCH-MS.Research@Hitchcock.org
- Phone: 603-650-4225
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.