Identifying and Managing Psychological Distress in Multiple Sclerosis: The COMPASS-MS Study

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · Jan 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The COMPASS-MS study is a clinical trial designed to see if it's possible to regularly check the mental health of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to provide online therapy for those experiencing anxiety or depression. The study will focus on using a digital program called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage their emotional distress related to MS. This research aims to improve the routine care that patients receive by addressing both their physical and mental health needs.

To participate in the study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of MS, and experience signs of anxiety or depression. They should also be comfortable using a computer and the internet, as the therapy will be conducted online. Participants can expect to take part in mental health screenings and access the online therapy program, which could provide valuable support for their emotional well-being. This study is currently not recruiting participants, but it aims to help improve care for those dealing with the psychological challenges of living with MS.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Patients will be eligible for inclusion for the COMPASS-MS intervention if they are:
• • 1. Aged ≥18 years
• • 2. Have a diagnosis of MS.
• • 3. Speak English to a sufficiently high standard to allow them to interact with digital CBT programmes.
• • 4. Have access to a computer and email account to allow them to register with the digital CBT programme, and a basic understanding of internet use.
• 5. Presence of depression and/or anxiety and/or psychological distress evidenced by:
• • i. A score of ≥ 5 on the nine item self-report measure of depression: PHQ-9 (Kroenke et al., 2001) AND/OR ii. A score of ≥ 5 on the seven item self-report measure of anxiety: GAD-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006).
• • OR iii. A score of ≥ 10 on the composite measure of depression and anxiety PHQ-ADS (Kroenke et al., 2016).
• • AND iv. Distress is related to their MS (i.e. answer "yes" or "sometimes" to "Is your distress linked to your MS?"
• • The below eligibility criteria apply to HCPs who have experience in engaging with COMPASS-MS care pathways at King's College Hospital (KCH).
• Healthcare providers (HCPs) will be eligible for inclusion if they meet all or any of the below criteria:
• • 1. Work in the Neurology Service at KCH providing care to PwMS
• • 2. Have experience of either: i) Assessing and triaging patients for psychological distress and/or ii) Providing therapist support to the users of COMPASS-MS.
• • 3. Work in or alongside KCH who are implementing: i) Routine mental health screening ii) COMPASS digital CBT (e.g. pharmacy/physiotherapy commissioning bodies).
• • Key Stakeholder Inclusion Criteria
• Key Stakeholders from Neurology services external to KCH will be invited to take part in an interview if they meet all or any of the below criteria:
• • 1. Work in a Neurology Service in England including both inpatient services and MS therapy centres.
• • 2. Have direct patient experience with working with PwMS (e.g. Neurologist, Doctor, Nurse, Reception)
• • 3. Work alongside a Neurology services in England and are involved in the care of PwMS (e.g. pharmacy/physiotherapy/commissioning bodies).