Details of HTA project
Last updated: 15 July 2008 - Next update due: 22 July 2008
Research type: |
Methodology |
Project title: |
Improving the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in multiple sclerosis: the role of new pyschometric methods - new analyses of the original study results |
Special notes |
The purpose of this study is to carry out additional analyses of the findings of the original study (HTA Reference 95/01/03) |
Project ref: |
95/01/05 |
Cost: |
|
Chief Investigator : |
Dr Jeremy Hobart, Senior Lecturer in Neurology, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth |
Start Date: |
February 2005. |
Publication date: |
November 2008. This project is at the editorial review stage. Delays in the review process can cause the forecast publication date to be delayed. |
Abstract: |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable progressive disorder that has a profound impact on individuals and their families. It is considerable public health concern and many new interventions aimed at altering the disease course have recently been introduced into health care. Systematic evaluation of the therapeutic effectiveness of new technologies through the rigorous measurement of outcome is necessary if clinical practice is to be evidence-based. This information can only be provided if the outcomes measured are appropriate to patients and the instruments used are clinically useful and scientifically sound. The instruments currently used to measure outcomes in MS do not fulfil these criteria. The purpose of this study is to carry out additional analyses of the findings of the original study (HTA Reference 95/01/03): "The aim of the study is to develop a patient-based measure of outcome in patients with MS for use in clinical trials and clinical audit. To guarantee that the measure is appropriate and clinically useful, MS patients will be central to the development process and rating will be self-report. To ensure rigorous measurement, reliability, validity, and responsiveness will be comprehensively evaluated. A preliminary field test version of the measurement will be developed using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups, as well as a comprehensive review of the literature and of existing instruments. The final version of the questionnaire will be developed on the basis of a large field study. The questionnaire will be comprehensively evaluated to test scaling assumptions, and to determine reliability, validity, and responsiveness." |
NRR* number, if applicable: |
(*National Research Register) |
Project Protocol: |
Project protocol not available |
URL of this page: |
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1549 |
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