The multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) is a reliable and sensitive measure

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Validated instruments are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of MS interventions.
• The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) is a patient-reported outcome measure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSIS-29.
• To determine the MSIS-29's suitability for patients with MS in diverse healthcare settings.
• To assess the scale's responsiveness to clinical changes in MS.

Main Methods:

• The MSIS-29 was administered to 172 community-dwelling MS patients and 102 MS patients in a hospital clinic.
• Concurrent validity was assessed using the London Handicap Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory.
• Disability was measured by the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS).
• Longitudinal data from 41 hospital patients provided further psychometric evaluation.

Main Results:

• The MSIS-29 exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties, including high convergent and low divergent validity.
• The scale demonstrated significant responsiveness to self-reported changes and EDSS worsening.
• The physical component of the MSIS-29 correlated with worsening EDSS scores over time.

Conclusions:

• The MSIS-29 possesses acceptable psychometric properties for use with MS patients.
• The MSIS-29 is a valuable outcome measure for intervention studies in multiple sclerosis.
• The scale's responsiveness supports its utility in tracking disease progression and treatment effects.