scholarly journals Development of a gait module to complement the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale: a mixed methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 205521731878376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Strzok ◽  
Sophie Cleanthous ◽  
Farrah Pompilus ◽  
Stefan J Cano ◽  
Patrick Marquis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Rasch Measurement Theory ◽  
Outcome Instrument ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Higher Functioning

Background and objective The 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) is a patient-reported outcome instrument that quantifies the progressive loss of walking ability from the patient perspective. However, previous psychometric analyses indicated floor and ceiling effects across the multiple sclerosis severity spectrum. This study aimed to address floor effects by creating a gait module that can be used in conjunction with the MSWS-12 for better measurement of treatment benefit in the higher functioning multiple sclerosis population. Methods We used a step-wise mixed methods study design, with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients (wave 1, n=88; wave 2, n=30), combining qualitative (concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews) and quantitative (Rasch Measurement Theory) data collection and analytical techniques and consultation interviews with three neurologists specializing in multiple sclerosis. Results Thirty-seven walking ability concepts were identified, and a five-domain conceptual framework was created. Draft items were generated and refined with patient and neurologist input. Draft items covered gait-related concepts such as dragging, shuffling, limping, tripping and falling. Rasch measurement theory psychometric analysis indicated administering MSWS-12 plus gait items improved measurement precision in targeted populations with better walking ability. Conclusion Study findings indicate that new gait items could improve sensitivity to detect clinical change in walking ability for higher functioning multiple sclerosis patients.

scholarly journals Addressing the targeting range of the ABILHAND-56 in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: A mixed methods psychometric study

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 205521731877699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Cleanthous ◽  
Sara Strzok ◽  
Farrah Pompilus ◽  
Stefan Cano ◽  
Patrick Marquis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Measurement Range ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Rasch Measurement Theory ◽  
Outcome Instrument ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Higher Functioning

Background ABILHAND, a manual ability patient-reported outcome instrument originally developed for stroke patients, has been used in multiple sclerosis clinical trials; however, psychometric analyses indicated the measure’s limited measurement range and precision in higher-functioning multiple sclerosis patients. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify candidate items to expand the measurement range of the ABILHAND-56, thus improving its ability to detect differences in manual ability in higher-functioning multiple sclerosis patients. Methods A step-wise mixed methods design strategy was used, comprising two waves of patient interviews, a combination of qualitative (concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing) and quantitative (Rasch measurement theory) analytic techniques, and consultation interviews with three clinical neurologists specializing in multiple sclerosis. Results Original ABILHAND was well understood in this context of use. Eighty-two new manual ability concepts were identified. Draft supplementary items were generated and refined with patient and neurologist input. Rasch measurement theory psychometric analysis indicated supplementary items improved targeting to higher-functioning multiple sclerosis patients and measurement precision. The final pool of Early Multiple Sclerosis Manual Ability items comprises 20 items. Conclusion The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative methods used in this study improves the ABILHAND content validity to more effectively identify manual ability changes in early multiple sclerosis and potentially help determine treatment effect in higher-functioning patients in clinical trials.

scholarly journals Challenges in multiple sclerosis care: Results from an international mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 ◽  
pp. 102854
Author(s):  
Sophie Péloquin ◽  
Klaus Schmierer ◽  
Thomas P. Leist ◽  
Jiwon Oh ◽  
Suzanne Murray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study

Evaluating a University Entrepreneurial Programme in a Developing Country: Applying Rasch Measurement Theory to Attitude to Enterprise

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esperanza Gil-Soto ◽  
Juan R. Oreja-Rodriguez ◽  
Francisco J. García-Rodríguez ◽  
Inés Ruiz-Rosa
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Rasch Measurement Theory ◽  
Entrepreneurial Attitudes ◽  
Attitudinal Factors ◽  
Personal Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
University Setting

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of an educational programme developed in Senegal with university students and designed to encourage entrepreneurship by influencing personal attitudes toward enterprise. The instrument to measure the entrepreneurial potential of young people has been applied in different socio-demographic contexts in some previous empirical research. Improvements in students’ perception of attitudinal factors associated with leadership, creativity, achievement and intuition can be inferred from the results of the longitudinal analysis conducted. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship between students’ perceived behavioural control and their attitudes toward starting a business at the end of the entrepreneurial programme is confirmed. Rasch Measurement Theory is applied to analyse the validity of the measurements and findings suggest that the scale used seems to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring entrepreneurial attitude in a university setting. Results confirm that entrepreneurship programmes have the potential to improve the entrepreneurial attitudes of students in a developing country.

CP-159 Assessment of effectiveness in walking ability and safety of fampridine in multiple sclerosis patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A64.1-A64
Author(s):  
A Andrés Rosado ◽  
A Carrasco Torrents ◽  
A Ontañón Nasarre ◽  
FJ Farfán Sedano
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

scholarly journals The necessity of applying Rasch measurement theory in questionnaire-based public health research

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H S Finbråten ◽  
A L Kleppang ◽  
A M Steigen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Classical Test Theory ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Rasch Measurement Theory ◽  
Classical Test

Abstract Background Questionnaires are frequently used in public health research. In order to provide valid and reliable results to generate recommendations for practice and policies, scales with sound psychometric properties are required. Classical test theory such as factor analysis is most frequently used to assess the psychometric properties of scales. However, classical test theory may have limitations in confirming the validity of scales. Only Rasch measurement theory meet the requirements of fundamental measurement, such as additivity, invariance, sufficiency and specific objectivity. The objective is to exemplify how Rasch measurement theory can be used to evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale. Validation of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 is used as an example. Methods This study is based on cross-sectional data from the Youth Data Survey. In total, 6777 adolescents responded to a web-based questionnaire. Data collection was carried out in lower and upper secondary schools in Norway during 2018. The data were analysed using the partial credit parameterization of the unidimensional Rasch model. Results Preliminary results indicated that the scale had acceptable reliability (person separation index: 0.82). However, one pair of items shows response dependence. The targeting could have been better (mean person location: -1.445). All items had ordered thresholds. Three items under-discriminated. Several items displayed differential item functioning with regard to gender and school level. Conclusions Applying Rasch measurement theory measurement problems that would go undetected using classical test theory approaches were observed. Scales used in public health research should be thoroughly validated applying Rasch measurement theory before the data are used to support claims about public health and used to provide recommendations for policy and practice. Key messages Public health practice and policy should be based on information from valid and reliable scales. Rasch measurement theory should be used to evaluate psychometric properties of scales used in public health research.

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