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Updated: May 3, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Development and validation of the actionable bladder symptom screening tool for multiple sclerosis patients
Jack Burks1, Michael Chancellor1, David Bates1
1College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, USA (JB); William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Royal Oak, MI, USA (MC); University of Newcastle, Newcastle on Tyne, UK (DB); Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Universite de Versailles Saint Quentin, Saint Quentin, France (PD); Alliance Urology Specialists, Greensboro, NC, USA (SM); NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (VN); Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA (DG); Adelphi Values, Boston, MA, USA (SH); University of Washington, Seattle, USA (IO); University College London, London, UK (JP); and Loyola University, Maywood, IL, USA (APN).
A new screening tool, the Actionable Bladder Symptom Screening Tool (ABSST), effectively identifies bladder problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Developed with patient and clinician input, ABSST demonstrates high reliability and validity for early detection and management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Bladder symptoms like urgency, frequency, and incontinence are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- These symptoms, often caused by neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), significantly impact daily life but are frequently overlooked in MS clinical management.
- There is a need for a validated screening tool to identify MS patients experiencing bladder dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable, sensitive, and specific screening tool for bladder problems in MS patients.
- To create an actionable instrument that aids in the clinical management of MS-related bladder symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted.
- Content validation and a multisite observational study were performed to evaluate the Actionable Bladder Symptom Screening Tool (ABSST).
- Psychometric properties, including internal consistency and validity, were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman correlation coefficients, comparing ABSST scores with the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF).
Main Results:
- The ABSST demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95 for total score; 0.85–0.90 for domains).
- High correlations were observed between ABSST scores and OAB-q SF Symptom Severity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) scores (Spearman's ρ ≥ 0.782), confirming validity.
- The ABSST showed strong predictive validity for identifying patients who may benefit from urological consultation, meeting FDA psychometric thresholds with high sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- The Actionable Bladder Symptom Screening Tool (ABSST) is a reliable, valid, sensitive, and specific instrument for screening bladder symptoms in MS patients.
- ABSST facilitates early identification of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and related quality of life impacts.
- This tool, developed collaboratively with patients and clinicians, supports improved clinical management of bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
