HOBSCOTCH-MS-Efficacy Trial

Launched by DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK MEDICAL CENTER · Apr 23, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The HOBSCOTCH-MS-Efficacy Trial is a study designed to see if a home-based program called HOBSCOTCH-MS can help improve the quality of life and cognitive function—like memory and thinking skills—of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study will also look at how this program affects caregivers, who support MS patients. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will start the program right away, while the other group will wait three months before starting. The entire study will last about six months.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be between 20 and 75 years old, have a diagnosis of relapsing or progressive MS, and be able to speak English. Participants will join virtual sessions with a certified Cognitive Coach, where they will learn helpful skills like problem-solving and relaxation techniques. They will also keep a daily diary using a smartphone app and complete surveys at different points during the study. Caregivers can choose to join the study with the MS participant, provided they have the MS patient's permission. Overall, this trial aims to find new ways to support both patients and their caregivers dealing with the challenges of MS.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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