Article Citation: Heather Becker, Greg Roberts, Janet Morrison, and Julie Silver (2004) Recruiting People With Disabilities as Research Participants: Challenges and Strategies to Address Them. Mental Retardation: December 2004, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 471-475. 2.0.CO;2'>https://doi.org/10.1352/0047-6765(2004)422.0.CO;2

Background: Cognitive impairment is among the most debilitating outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although several neuropsychological tests and self-report cognitive measures have been used to assess cognitive impairment, they may not be sensitive to change over time, or may not be feasible to administer in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the 8-item PROMIS Cognitive Abilities and Cognitive Concerns Scales in a large community-based sample of people with MS. The PROMIS Cognitive Abilities and Cognitive Concerns Scales derive from the National Institutes of Health–funded Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), an item repository that capitalizes on recent psychometric advances to produce short, psychometrically sound health measures.Methods: Mailed survey data were collected from 322 individuals recruited from two National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapters in a southwestern state.Results: Both cognitive scales demonstrated high internal consistency reliability and were moderately correlated with self-reported depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, barriers to health promotion, health, and functional status (all correlation coefficients >0.35). In hierarchical regression analysis, the PROMIS Cognitive Concerns score added significant unique variance to the prediction of MS Incapacity Status after controlling for self-reported depressive symptoms, exercise, spiritual growth, and global health. Those who were unemployed owing to their disabilities had significantly lower PROMIS Cognitive Abilities scores and higher Cognitive Concerns scores than those who were working or those who were retired or not working for other reasons.Conclusions: The PROMIS Cognitive Abilities and Cognitive Concerns Scales are short, psychometrically sound measures that assess an important dimension of functioning and health for people with MS.

The purpose of this study was to examine associations among nurses' behavioral intention to disinfect needleless connectors, autonomy, self-efficacy, attitudes, beliefs, perceived control, and social norms. A convenience sample (N = 171) of registered nurses participated in a cross-sectional study to examine factors related to “scrubbing the hub.” While experienced nurses reported greater autonomy and self-efficacy, recent graduates were more likely to consistently use optimal disinfection techniques. Since practice is most influenced by peers, programs should be aimed at educational pedagogy aligning preceptor practice with empirically derived guidelines. Fostering exchange of ideas in a multigenerational work force may facilitate adherence to best practices.