Objectives/Goals: Problems with cognition are common and distressing for people with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We are developing a patient-centered cognitive rehabilitation intervention using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework. Our study aim is to identify patient needs, preferences, and priorities to help address their cognitive challenges. Methods/Study Population: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 individuals with SSc to capture in-depth perspectives on desired intervention features, potential barriers and facilitators to implementation, and overall relevance of the intervention to daily life. Transcripts were analyzed using the Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction technique in combination with thematic content analysis. Codes with similar content were merged and organized into subthemes and themes to understand the data. Insights from these interviews are used to inform and refine a conceptual model to guide intervention development in the MOST preparation phase, ensuring that resulting components are acceptable, feasible, and closely aligned with patients’ specific needs, preferences, and priorities. Results/Anticipated Results: Participants were 55 years old on average (100% female, 80% White). Forty percent had diffuse cutaneous SSc, and 53% were within 7 years of diagnosis. Participants reported cognitive challenges affecting short-term memory, attention, and processing speed. They highlighted the need for flexible online sessions (having multiple time options to choose from), extra time for discussion, and peer support (a space for connection and group discussion). Barriers to participation included symptom fluctuation, fatigue, and limited time. Facilitators included peer support and user-friendly resources. These insights will refine a conceptual model to guide development of an intervention that is acceptable, feasible, and tailored to the cognitive and lifestyle needs of people with SSc. Discussion/Significance of Impact: We will incorporate feedback from this study to create a patient-centered cognitive rehabilitation intervention that is tailored to people with SSc. Involving people with SSc in intervention development provides the foundation to build a robust, relevant intervention for people with cognitive challenges.
Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.