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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Mobile-based cognitive screening tools in multiple sclerosis: Scoping literature and app store review
Elizabeth S Gromisch1, Jaime Imitola2, Thomas Agresta3
1Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England, 490 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06112, USA; Departments of Rehabilitative Medicine and, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT, 06473; Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT, 06473; Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
Background:
Routine cognitive screenings have been recommended by several multiple sclerosis (MS) groups. One option are mobile-based programs, which can be administered using a smartphone or tablet. This scoping review aimed to identify the available mobile-based cognitive screening tools for persons with MS and understand potential gaps that should be considered when developing future cognitive screening tools.
Methods:
Systematic searches of the literature (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and PsycINFO) and commercial application stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store) were conducted in English through March 2024. A cognitive screening tool was defined as a program that assessed one or more cognitive domains objectively, with the assessment time taking 20 minutes or less. Only programs that could be administered using a mobile device and have been evaluated in at least one peer-review study with adults with MS (≥ 18 years old) were included. Information about the tool's availability, specificity for MS, number of tests and assessed domains, administration and scoring, stimuli and psychometric data, and inclusion of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were extracted.
Results:
Thirty-two cognitive screening tools met the eligibility criteria. Five of the 16 commercially available programs were designed specifically for persons with MS, compared to 12 of the 16 investigational programs. Most programs were available in multiple languages, did not require a technician, and offered automated scoring. Limited screening options beyond information processing speed and availability of psychometric data, involvement of patient stakeholders, and integration with the electronic health record (EHR) were identified as weaknesses that could be addressed in the next generation of programs.
Conclusions:
While more mobile-based options are becoming available, including tools that also offer depression screening and other PROs, there are still limitations that can affect their utility as routine cognitive screeners in a clinic setting. Considerations for addressing these weaknesses, including increasing the involvement of persons with MS in the development process, are discussed.
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