The impact of the MS bladder check tool in raising awareness of urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) often experience urinary symptoms but may be unaware that they are linked to the disease. The MS Bladder Check self-assessment tool was developed by a multi-disciplinary team of experts to address this issue. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the MS bladder check tool in raising awareness of urinary symptoms among pwMS and healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: pwMS used the MS bladder check tool prior to HCP consultation and completed a survey to evaluate the tool. HCPs also completed a survey about the tool after their consultations. RESULTS: A total of 503 pwMS and 32 HCPs from France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom completed the MS bladder check tool and the survey. 28.2 % of pwMS recognized current or prior urinary symptoms that were unknown to them; of these, 80.3 % reported that the MS bladder check tool made it easier to discuss urinary symptoms with their HCP. The MS bladder check tool increased awareness of urinary symptoms amongst pwMS and made discussions with their HCP easier. HCPs reported that they would use the MS bladder check tool in their clinical practice and that they would share it amongst their colleagues. CONCLUSION: The MS bladder check tool is of value in clinical practice, empowering pwMS and HCPs to engage in discussions about urinary symptoms with a view to early identification, specialist referral, and optimal intervention.