Outcome measures for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: This review determined the most commonly used, and reliable, measures for assessing clinical outcomes for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives: It was anticipated that this would facilitate the development of a common set of metrics, and aid reaching a consensus regarding the outcome measures that are typically used in the field of MS clinical research.

Major findings: A thorough literature review of clinical outcome measures for MS produced 166 measures that have been used in this context. This list was then refined by discussion with a panel of consultant neurologists, which reduced the list to 23 commonly employed tools. This shortlist was then further refined through surveying 41 centres for MS treatment, which reduced the shortlist to 16 measures. The properties of these scales, in terms of their symptom/function domains, their specificity for MS, their administration characteristics, and their reliability and validity for MS, are all discussed.

Conclusions: Conclusions regarding the development of potential sets of assessment measures for MS, which encompass broad symptom/function domains, and which are sensitive to the practical requirements of administration within clinical contexts, are explored.

Keywords:

• Assessment sets
• Multiple sclerosis
• Narrative review
• Outcome measures
• Psychometric properties

Acknowledgements

Recognition and gratitude go to Professor Rhys Williams who helped to initiate this project. Thanks go to Ed Holloway and to the Neurologists who volunteered their input and time, as well as to Professor Ceri Phillips for his helpful suggestions.