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The COMPASS-MS Study on Implementing Digital Assessment and Treatment for Psychological Distress in Patients With
Emma Jenkinson1, Rona Moss-Morris1, Natasha Seaton1
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom, +44 20 7188 0189.
JMIR Research Protocols
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study evaluates a digital mental health pathway for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, integrating screening and digital CBT (COMPASS-MS). Findings will guide scalable MS care for psychological distress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
Background:
- Comorbid anxiety and depression are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), worsening outcomes and increasing healthcare costs.
- Existing MS services often lack scalable treatment options for psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the real-world implementation and effectiveness of an integrated digital mental health pathway for MS patients.
- The pathway includes digital screening for psychological distress and COMPASS-MS, a therapist-guided digital cognitive behavioral therapy program tailored for MS.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods, observational, longitudinal study in the UK.
- Assessing implementation via screening uptake, eligibility, and COMPASS-MS completion rates.
- Evaluating potential effectiveness through pre-post intervention questionnaires (PHQ-ADS) and qualitative interviews.
Main Results:
- Patient recruitment (n=82) was completed by September 2025; healthcare professional recruitment is ongoing.
- Quantitative results are anticipated by September 2026.
- Qualitative data will explore scalability, barriers, and facilitators of the integrated pathway.
Conclusions:
- Study findings will inform the integration of effective psychological support pathways into routine MS care.
- Results will highlight necessary adaptations for scalability and improved treatment effectiveness in specialist MS services.
