Despite the high prevalence of cognitive difficulties seen in multiple sclerosis, there is a lack of developed programmes that target cognition, while also supporting people by helping them to function well in everyday life.

The Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with MS (COB-MS) was developed as a holistic, individualised cognitive rehabilitation intervention. It addresses the wide-ranging symptoms and functional difficulties that present in MS.

We have completed a feasibility trial of the COB-MS and the results have been published online and the anonymised data is also freely available. The feasibility trial was funded by the Health Research Board- (DIFA-FA-2018-027); ISRCTN: ISRCTN11462710

Funding has been secured to complete a definitive trial of the COB-MS. This is due to start in Summer 2025. We will investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the COB-MS. 

This research aims to understand the experiences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) accessing and undergoing gynecological cancer screening and treatment. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the study will include: evidence synthesis on the topic area; the set-up and involvement of an international expert steering group; conducting international survey and focus group discussions to understand the experiences and challenges faced by people with MS and their caregivers; and (as appropriate to the findings) develop guidelines and educational material in conjunction with the steering group on the topic of gynecological screening and treatment.

It is expected that the findings will inform the development of tailored educational strategies to improve awareness of support resources, advocacy skills, and improve understanding from healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the unique needs of people with MS. The findings may also lead to the development of specific clinical guidelines for this group in order to improve outcomes and enhance patient-centered care and policy-making for this group. This research comes as a response to recent Priority Setting work in women's health topics in MS. 

The COB-MS team, in conjunction with our collaborators, want to understand how cognition and mood are currently assessed and treated in Ireland. 

We invited healthcare professionals in Ireland working with people with MS to complete a short National Survey to understand the current clinical management of cognition in the context of MS. The results have been analysed and published. Thanks to all who took part. 

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Needs of people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (NIPS) – a cross-cultural study.

I am co-investigator on the Irish part of this RIMS-funded European study focused on identifying the needs of people living with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Data has been collected and analysed and the publications on this topic are currently under review. 

The next steps of the project are under discussion. 

This research, conducted in collaboration with Dr Jackie Fox, Kinza Tabassum, and Sara Fuller, explored the lived experience of dating with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. 

This project was supported by a HRB summer studentship 2020 (KT). 

The findings of this research have been published and are freely available online. Thank you to all the participants who took the time to share their experiences with us. 

Details on other MS research