Patient Reported Outcome Indices for Multiple Sclerosis

The Patient Reported Outcome Indices for Multiple Sclerosis (PRIMUS) is a disease specific patient-reported outcome questionnaire which measures the quality of life (QoL) of patients with multiple sclerosis.^[1]

The measure contains an assessment of quality of life, activity limitations and symptoms. A higher score on any or all of these scales indicates a lower quality of life due to the disease.^[2]

History and properties

First published in 2009 by Galen Research and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the PRIMUS was developed in order to provide a more holistic view of the impact of MS on a patient.^[1]

The measure has three scales: quality of life, symptoms and activity limitations, which are designed to be used together or as standalone measures.^[2] The QoL and symptom scales are based on simple statements with dichotomous response options. Each scale has a total score which ranges from 0 to 22. The activity scale is based on 15 statements describing tasks. Patients are asked to rate their ability to perform these tasks on a scale from 1 to 3. The total score of the activities section ranges from 0 to 30.^[3]

International use

Since the development of the PRIMUS, it has been translated into several languages including Canadian English and French, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, US English,^[3] Australian and New Zealand English and US Spanish.^[4] This has allowed researchers to conduct studies for specific populations, such as Spain^[5] and Europe.^[6]

Clinical studies

The PRIMUS has been utilized in clinical trials which assess the efficacy of a treatment or medication. If a patient's score on the PRIMUS changes after a trial has taken place, it is inferred that the trial has had an effect on the patient's quality of life. PRIMUS has been used to assess the efficacy of fingolimod^[7][8][9] and rivastigmine.^[10]