Support to Keep Working for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Tests work support given by charity staff to adults with multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Optimising Access to Vocational Rehabilitation for People With Multiple Sclerosis
Key facts
- Where
- Nottingham, United KingdomSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 66 years old?
Source: NCT06966115, who can take part
Where in United Kingdom
- University of NottinghamNottingham, United KingdomNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Nottingham
- Trial code
- NCT06966115
- Record updated
- 11 May 2025
- Original description
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often leave the workforce prematurely due to MS symptoms and difficulties managing workplace relationships and performance. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can improve job retention outcomes for people with MS, but there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions.Read full original descriptionShow less
Optimising Access to Vocational Rehabilitation Through Multiple Sclerosis Charities: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often leave the workforce prematurely due to MS symptoms and difficulties managing workplace relationships and performance. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can improve job retention outcomes for people with MS, but there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions.
A psychologist and occupational therapist-delivered VR intervention was previously developed to support people with MS to remain in paid employment. This programme was tested in a community setting and within the UK National Health Service (NHS). The preliminary findings demonstrate that the intervention is highly acceptable to people with MS and their employers and helped participants with MS to meet their vocational goals. However, the study also identified various barriers (e.g., lack of staff, service structure, etc.) to delivering this programme more widely within a healthcare setting.
Because of this, patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives suggested testing the VR intervention within the services provided by MS charities. This approach could be beneficial to reach people with MS who might be in the earlier stages of the illness and looking for information or who have not considered discussing "work" with their healthcare providers.
Therefore, the VR intervention MSVR ("multiple sclerosis vocational rehabilitation") was adapted to be delivered by non-specialists working for MS charities. Over recent years, the practice of training non-specialists to deliver evidence-based and complex interventions has increased to reach communities where there is a lack of resources or to help increase the reach of these interventions.
This study aims to:
1. Explore the feasibility and acceptability of providing employment support through MS charities. 2. Determine the parameters for a future large-scale randomised controlled trial. 3. Explore the experiences of those receiving and delivering the MSVR intervention.
Sixty people with MS in paid employment will be recruited to receive support with employment tailored to their needs over six months. Participants with MS will be asked to complete a booklet of questionnaires with variables known to affect employment status.
Approximately 20 participants will be asked to participate in a feedback interview at the end of the intervention.
Inclusion: Aged ≥18; Can give informed consent,; Can communicate in English,; Are in paid employment (including self-employed).
Exclusion: Currently receiving vocational rehabilitation support from the NHS or other employer services; Planning to retire within the next 12 months.