Worries and concerns of patients with multiple sclerosis: development of an assessment scale.

This study examined the nature of worry in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. A measure of worry in MS was developed and the relationship between worry and standard scale measures of anxiety and depression was examined. Thirty-nine patients with MS and 40 controls completed the new worry scale (WQMS) that was psychometrically evaluated, together with the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and a previously developed scale to assess self-efficacy in MS (SESMS).

Development and validation of a self-efficacy measure for people with multiple sclerosis: the Multiple Sclerosis Self-efficacy Scale.

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a brief measure of self-efficacy specifically for use with people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Self-efficacy is the subjective belief that one can overcome challenges that one is faced with. In order to incorporate the subjective experiences of individuals with MS, a 'patient-focused' methodology has been adopted.

Quality of life assessment in MND: development of a social withdrawal scale.

A scale to measure 'social withdrawal,' was developed specifically for use with MND patients. Scale design was based upon patient-focused interviews which were used to explore patients' concerns. The impact the condition had upon their social interactions with others was salient for all patients and affected their overall quality of life.

Development of a scale to measure core beliefs and perceived self efficacy in adults with epilepsy.

A scale based on underlying core beliefs generated by the experience of epilepsy was developed. The scale, with measures of coping, adaptability, and knowledge, was used to examine the commonly-reported differences in emotional adjustment between patients (EP) and a non-epileptic population (NEP). The EP had significantly lower perceived self efficacy and was more depressed and anxious than the NEP controls.

Emergency presentation and mortality from colorectal cancer in the elderly.

We have assessed the influence of age on the mode of presentation and perioperative mortality in 1033 patients with colorectal cancer. There were 522 patients (51 per cent) over 70 years (group I) and 511 patients (49 per cent) under 70 (group II). In group I, 301 patients (58 per cent) were admitted as emergencies compared with only 222 (43 per cent) in group II (P less than 0.