Optimising access to vocational rehabilitation through multiple sclerosis charities: Protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background 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. Methods A multicentre, feasibility, parallel-group randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a job retention VR intervention plus usual care (n = 30) with usual care alone (n = 30). This study includes an embedded mixed-methods process evaluation. People with MS, aged 18–65 years, in paid employment will be recruited from MS charities. Participants with MS will be able to include their employers in the intervention to receive information about MS and employment. The intervention involves an initial interview and up to 10 hours of employment support for people with MS and up to four hours of support for employers, over six months. Employees from MS charities will be recruited and trained to deliver the MSVR intervention. Participants will be followed up by postal/telephone/online questionnaires at 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-randomisation. The aim is to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of delivering the intervention within MS charities, and to determine parameters for future trial and explore the acceptability of the study intervention and procedures. Discussion This novel study will provide insight into how existing services from MS charities can fill a service gap by providing employment support to people with MS. Findings will inform the design of a future fully powered RCT.