MS bladder check tool: Development and validation of a patient awareness tool to facilitate timely management of lower urinary tract dysfunction due to multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Lower urinary tract dysfunction impacts quality of life of people with MS; often, symptoms are 'lived with' or deprioritised by healthcare providers (HCPs). Consequently, patients must be given the skills they need to become confident in managing their illness and enhance their involvement in the process.

Objective: To develop and validate a self-assessment tool to help people with MS become more aware of their bladder symptoms and prompt contact with their HCP to facilitate timely management and specialist referral, if required.

Methods: The 'MS bladder check tool' was developed by a multidisciplinary panel of specialist advisors. Consensus meetings and pilot testing were conducted to design and evolve the tool into a series of nine questions, using population-appropriate language, and covering all aspects of bladder dysfunction in MS. The tool was then validated by an international, multidisciplinary team of experts.

Results: Validity was rated 'excellent' for all questions indicating that the MS bladder check tool is an appropriate method of highlighting bladder problems in people with MS.

Conclusion: The MS bladder check tool is simple, easy-to-use, and empowers patients to take charge of their urinary tract health, aiming to improve the management of MS and, ultimately, patient quality of life.

Keywords: Bladder symptoms; Lower urinary tract disorders; Multiple sclerosis; Tool; Validation.