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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).
Abstract:
Bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These symptoms, which often result from neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), can have a major impact on patients' day-to-day lives. However, in many cases they are over-looked in the clinical management of MS. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a reliable, sensitive, and specific screening tool for patients with bladder problems related to MS. We performed a literature review and then conducted a content validation study followed by a multisite observational study of a new screening tool, the Actionable Bladder Symptom Screening Tool (ABSST). All ABSST domains as well as the total score met the threshold for good internal consistency (Cronbach α ≥ 0.70), with a Cronbach α value of 0.95 for the total score and values ranging from 0.85 to 0.90 for the three domains. The validity of the ABSST was demonstrated by high correlation of the domains and total score with the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF) Symptom Severity and Total Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) scores (Spearman correlation coefficient ≥ 0.782). The predictive validity of the ABSST total score to identify patients who might receive a recommendation to see a urologist was strong. This new instrument, which was developed with input from clinicians as well as MS patients, meets the current content validity and psychometric testing thresholds established by the US Food and Drug Administration, with high sensitivity and specificity.
