Intervention for Employed Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Neuropsychological Feedback Style and Case Management to Improve Intervention Outcome for Employed Women With Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Unemployment is particularly common among women with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study uses a vocational rehabilitation program involving neuropsychological testing as an intervention. The use of in-person feedback and case management following neuropsychological testing is compared to phone feedback only. Adherence to treatment and employment outcomes will be evaluated over three years.

Employed women at a tertiary-care MS center were screened for common issues impacting work productivity (fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and depression). Women who met screening criteria were randomized to one of two treatment groups: either neuropsychological testing and phone feedback to review findings and tailored recommendations (standard-care treatment); or neuropsychological testing, in-person feedback, and two calls from a care-coordinator (experimental treatment). Adherence to recommendations and employment status at one year are evaluated. Follow-up periods also occur at year two and year three.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female sex
• Age between 18 and 64
• Employed at least 20 hours per week
• Confirmed diagnosis of MS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Experiencing an MS exacerbation
• Endorsing suicidal ideation or intent
• Pregnant
• Severe psychiatric disorder
• History of traumatic brain injury
• Dementia
• Major neurological illness other than MS