Assessment and Management of Cognitive and Psychosocial Difficulties for People with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland: A National Survey of Clinical Practice.

Background: A recent survey of 109 healthcare professionals explored how UK healthcare professionals typically assess and treat multiple sclerosis (MS)-related cognitive impairment. Little is currently known about what constitutes usual care for cognitive impairment and psychosocial care for people with MS in Ireland. Aim: The aim of the current research was to survey healthcare professionals (HCPs) who work with people with MS, to understand current assessment and management of cognition and psychosocial care in people with MS in the Republic of Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected online through Microsoft forms and through postal responses. The original UK questionnaire was adapted, piloted, and distributed to Irish HCPs. Participants were qualified HCPs who work clinically with people with MS in the Republic of Ireland. Results: Ninety-eight HCPs completed the survey. Only 34% of those surveyed reported routine screening of cognition for people with MS within their services; approximately, 36% HCPs reported that they did not provide information or services in relation to cognition to people with MS and 39% reported not referring elsewhere when cognitive difficulties were suspected. Out of the 98 HCPs, 47% reported assessing mood difficulties as part of their services, with 14% unsure. In total, 70% of participants reported onward referral took place if mood difficulties were identified. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was the most commonly administrated cognitive assessment. Cognitive intervention choices were found to be guided by clinical judgement in 75.5% of cases. Discussion. Despite the high importance placed on cognitive and psychosocial care, there is very little consistency in treatment and assessment across services for people with MS in Ireland.

A Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with MS: acceptability, feasibility, and experiences of people with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: COB-MS is an eight-session, Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with both MS and cognitive difficulty - designed to enhance cognition and daily functioning, through a combination of goal-setting, cognitive strategy engagement, group activities, home-practice activities and one-on-one sessions. This research aims to investigate the acceptability of COB-MS from the perspective of people living with MS, as well as the occupational therapists who facilitated the programme. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two content analyses were conducted on interview data from (n = 11) COB-MS participants and (n = 8) COB-MS facilitators. Thematic analysis was also conducted on the participant interview data. RESULTS: Through a, primary, content analysis, participants reported that the COB-MS provided both a positive experience and quality resources. Qualitative improvement and utilisation of their learning beyond completion of the intervention were also identified. Four themes were identified via, secondary, thematic analysis: (1) Group interaction within COB-MS was vital; (2) Online COB-MS had positive and negative effects on participation; (3) COB-MS as a provider of clarity; and (4) Using learned strategies after the completion of COB-MS. Recommendations for future administration are provided. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest COB-MS acceptability, as well as appropriateness and feasibility, indicative of progression to a definitive trial in future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: ISRCTN11462710. Registered on 9 September 2019.

Cognitive difficulties associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) impact on daily life activities and are considered invisible MS symptoms. This invisibility and the lack of acknowledgement of such symptoms often adds to the distress experienced by people with MS.Occupational therapists are well-placed to address the daily-life impacts of cognitive difficulties in MS.The COB-MS is an occupation-focused intervention that aims to enhance daily function.The intervention was found to be well-accepted well by people with MS and occupational therapists and can feasibly be delivered in clinical practice.