HOBSCOTCH-MS: Home-based telehealth cognitive coaching for people with multiple sclerosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.