Recommendations for translation and reliability testing of International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets

Translation and validation of the Chinese self-report version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-SR): Rasch psychometric analysis and online application

Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) was an important functional outcome measure specifically designed for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, with the self-reported version of SCIM (SCIM-SR) published in 2013. This study aims to translate the SCIM-SR into Chinese, and to investigate the validity of Chinese SCIM-SR among SCI patients. This Chinese version of SCIM-SR was translated into Chinese in a standardized approach, and then filled out by a sample of patients with SCI (n = 205) within 3 days after admission. Validity of Chinese SCIM-SR was then analyzed using Rasch analysis and principal component analysis. The subscale Selfcare and subscale Mobility showed good fit to the Rasch model, with no significance found in Chi-square test results for item-trait interaction, using Bonferroni adjustment for the significant level (χ2 =18.125, P = 0.111; χ2 =33.629, P = 0.006). Mean fit residual for items and persons of each subscale were within ± 2.5. The model fit of the subscale of Respiration and Sphincter Management was not satisfactory even after deleting one item and merging two items with local dependence. However, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was > 0.50 in total score and all the subscales of Chinese SCIM-SR, and P < 0.05 in the Bartlett's test. There was no differential item functioning for gender, time post injury, age, and etiology in any of the three subscales. An online version of Chinese SCIM-SR was also developed. It is concluded that the SCIM-SR in Chinese is valid for application in individuals with SCI. SCIM-SR is considered as an important tool for self-reporting functional status from SCI individuals' perspective.

Madrid immigrants' perceptions of urban food environments and their dietary behaviours

Large cities are home to several groups of immigrants who undergo important changes in their environmental conditions and lifestyles that significantly modify their risk of chronic diseases. Quantitative evidence indicates that both their health and diet worsen over time; much less is known about the qualitative mechanisms that cause these changes. The aim of this article is to understand how immigrants in the city of Madrid perceive the relation between the urban food environment and dietary behaviour. Based on a Social Ecological Framework, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis derived from data from 41 immigrant residents, collected in eight focus groups (FGs), conducted in two neighbourhoods in the city of Madrid. We identified the following main categories: 1) Transnational identity and dietary behaviour in the neighbourhood; 2) Transitions in dietary behaviour; and 3) Societal/structural factors determining dietary behaviour in the neighbourhood. The participants in the FGs mentioned that they try to maintain traditional dietary customs and perceive that the taste of their typical dishes is better than those of Spanish dishes. Contradictorily, some participants considered their traditional dietary patterns to be less healthy than Mediterranean ones (consuming olive oil, vegetables, fish). Some participants acknowledged having adapted to the latter voluntarily or through dietary negotiations with their children. Immigrant families with two working parents have difficulties cooking homemade food and resort to less healthy options, such as eating fast food or ready-made meals. Due to their low purchasing power, they buy both ethnic products and other products, as well as considering the prices and offers in supermarkets. Our study highlights several structural mechanisms connecting the physical and social urban food environment with dietary behaviours among immigrant residents of a large city.

Reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury Physical Therapy-Occupational Therapy Basic Data Set

In interventional clinical trials for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), the influence of experimental biological, pharmacological, or device-related interventions must be differentiated from that of physical and occupational therapy interventions, as rehabilitation influences motor-related outcomes. The International Spinal Cord Injury (ISCI) Physical Therapy-Occupational Therapy Basic Data Set (PT-OT BDS) was developed with the intent to track the content and time of rehabilitation interventions that are delivered concurrently with experimental interventions. We assessed the reliability of the PT-OT BDS based on agreement between users. Following an online training session, physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) from 10 SCI clinical centers across 7 countries participated. At each center, pairs of therapists (a treating therapist and an observing therapist; PT/PT, OT/OT, or PT/OT) used the PT-OT BDS to record the content and time of therapy sessions for 20 patients. Data were analyzed to determine agreement between therapist pairs regarding the content of the therapy session. The influence of therapist characteristics (professional discipline [PT/OT], years of experience working with individuals with SCI), patient characteristics (level [tetraplegia/paraplegia] and severity [complete/incomplete] of injury), setting (inpatient/outpatient), and whether the center was U.S.- versus non-U.S.-based were also analyzed. There was high agreement for five of seven categories and medium agreement for the remaining two categories. For six of the seven intervention categories, there were no significant differences between the treating and the observing therapists in the percentage of instances that a specific category was selected. Characteristics of the therapists, characteristics of the patient, therapy setting, and global location of the center had no meaningful influence on level of agreement between therapist pairs. The BDS is reliable for use across settings, countries, and with patients of various impairment levels. The study also helped identify additional areas where refinement of the syllabus would be of value.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of Measurement Instruments: A Practical Guideline for Novice Researchers

Cross-cultural validation of self-reported measurement instruments for research is a long and complex process, which involves specific risks of bias that could affect the research process and results. Furthermore, it requires researchers to have a wide range of technical knowledge about the translation, adaptation and pre-test aspects, their purposes and options, about the different psychometric properties, and the required evidence for their assessment and knowledge about the quantitative data processing and analysis using statistical software. This article aimed: 1) identify all guidelines and recommendations for translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation within the healthcare sciences; 2) describe the methodological approaches established in these guidelines for conducting translation, adaptation, and cross-cultural validation; and 3) provide a practical guideline featuring various methodological options for novice researchers involved in translating, adapting, and validating measurement instruments. Forty-two guidelines on translation, adaptation, or cross-cultural validation of measurement instruments were obtained from "CINAHL with Full Text" (via EBSCO) and "MEDLINE with Full Text". A content analysis was conducted to identify the similarities and differences in the methodological approaches recommended. Bases on these similarities and differences, we proposed an eight-step guideline that includes: a) forward translation; 2) synthesis of translations; 3) back translation; 4) harmonization; 5) pre-testing; 6) field testing; 7) psychometric validation, and 8) analysis of psychometric properties. It is a practical guideline because it provides extensive and comprehensive information on the methodological approaches available to researchers. This is the first methodological literature review carried out in the healthcare sciences regarding the methodological approaches recommended by existing guidelines.

Conducting member checking within a qualitative case study on health-related behaviours in a large European city: Appraising interpretations and co-constructing findings

Although member checking is a well-established strategy for appraising credibility, there is a lack of research reporting procedures and outcomes when using this strategy. In recent years, scholars have implemented new member checking strategies along with several epistemological stances. In this work, researchers conducted member checking in three neighbourhoods with different socioeconomic status in Madrid, Spain. Attendance at member checking meetings was lower than expected. Member checking meetings were conducted in public halls within each neighbourhood and lasted approximately 2 hours. During the first hour, researchers introduced the aim of the meetings and shared summarized research findings with attendees using a slideshow. During the second hour, attendees had the opportunity to comment on any aspect of the research. Researchers used grounded theory coding strategies and a constructivist approach informed the analysis of the transcribed member checking meetings. One core category emerged, and it was named 'Co-constructing findings and side effects of the interaction between researchers and participants in member checking'. Member checking attendees contributed to co-constructing findings by means of underscore and disagreement. It is possible that these meetings might have caused side effects such as unintended comparisons between neighbourhoods and negative health-related behaviours. Attendees wondered how the findings could improve their neighbourhoods. The meetings allowed interaction between participants and researchers and resulted in appraising and co-constructing qualitative research findings. More research is needed to advance knowledge about member checking.

Responsiveness of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0: An international longitudinal study

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Examine the sensitivity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set V2.0 (QoL-BDS V2.0) to reflect changes in mobility and secondary health conditions (SHCs) between inpatient rehabilitation and one-year follow-up.

DESIGN

International longitudinal study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (Median 6 weeks, inter-quartile range 4-10 weeks post-onset) and after 12 months.

SETTING

Spinal cord rehabilitation institutions in the US, Brazil, Australia and the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

: Individuals with recent onset of spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/SCD) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The QoL-BDS V2.0, comprises four items on satisfaction with 'life as a whole', 'physical health', 'psychological health', and 'social life'. Mobility level was measured with a single item and SHCs with the SCI Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS).

RESULTS

Of the 160 participants, 61% had SCI, 48% had tetraplegia and 82% were wheelchair-users. Scores on 'life as a whole', 'physical health' and the total scale were significantly higher at follow-up compared to baseline in the total sample and the SCD subgroup, but not in the SCI subgroup. Increases in 'physical health', 'psychological health', 'social life' and the total score were significantly associated with improvements in the SCI-SCS or mobility scores. Participants with improved SCI-SCS and mobility at follow-up showed significantly more improvement in satisfaction with social life and the total score compared to participants without such favorable changes.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide partial evidence of responsiveness of the QoL-BDS V2.0 total score as a measure of QoL among individuals with SCI/SCD.

Epidemiological profile of spinal cord injury in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To identify and analyze the biosocioeconomic profile associated with the occupation and education of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) from Brazil.

DESIGN

Analytical, quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional.

PARTICIPANTS

Sample composed of 618 Brazilian adults with SCI and access to the internet.

SETTING

Community-based, Brazil.

METHODS

An online form was developed and publicized on Brazilian social media to voluntarily register for participation in research. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to analyze the association between categorical variables and the Kruskal Wallis test was used for comparisons and adjusted Odds Ratio with a 95% Confidence Interval.

RESULTS

Among the 618 participants, 68.9% were men, with mean age of 38.04 years (SD = 9.85); 58.7% were people with paraplegia and most injuries were traumatic (78.5%), most caused by road traffic accidents (40.8%) and weapons (17.5%). The majority were graduates or post-graduates (49.5%) and received an income of up to US$ 749.58 (55.1%); 70.9% of the participants were beneficiaries of social welfare (63.6%) or unemployed (7.3%). There was a reduction in the employment rate from 91.3% to 15.2% after SCI. An association was found between education and current occupation (P ≥ 0.001). Participants with higher education had higher odds (7.48) to being employed relative to those with elementary education.

CONCLUSION

A serious employment situation after SCI was found, with high unemployment and dependence on social welfare. This shows the need for investment in public policies for the rehabilitation, focused on participation, return to the labor market, and ending dependence on social welfare.

Translation and validation into Portuguese of the international spinal cord injury pulmonary function basic data set

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious disabling syndrome, and the clinical picture depends on the level and extent of the injury. The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) and the American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA) have developed instruments (Data Sets) to assess the various aspects of the SCI. In 2012, the International SCI Pulmonary Function Basic Data Set was elaborated. It is composed of four questions and spirometry for the collection of lung function basic data.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to translate and validate the International SCI Pulmonary Function Basic Data Set to the Portuguese language.

METHODS

The entire methodology followed the recommendations of the ISCoS and ASIA. Two translations of the original version into Portuguese were performed, and after consensus among the translators, the Portuguese version was sent for back-translation. After back-translation and comparison with the original version, the final Portuguese version was obtained. For the second phase of the study, 30 SCI individuals were selected. Two interviewers applied the questionnaire in two distinct moments.

RESULTS

All results presented constant, excellent, or perfectly concordant data, except for the third question in the inter-rater comparison, where the Kappa coefficient showed value reasonable in the first interview and good in the second.

CONCLUSION

The translation into Brazilian Portuguese of the "International SCI Pulmonary Function Basic Data Set" created a valid and highly reliable instrument, like the original without linguistic and cultural disagreements that allow its use in the evaluation of patients with SCI in Brazil.

Hindi translation and reliability testing of the international spinal cord injury quality of life basic data set version 1.0

STUDY DESIGN

Methodological study design: translation and test-retest reliability testing.

OBJECTIVES

To translate International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set (ISCIQoLBDS) Version 1.0 into Hindi language and conduct reliability testing of Hindi ISCIQoLBDS (hISCIQoLBDS).

SETTING

The study was conducted at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, India.

METHODS

The study was done in two phases-translation of ISCIQoLBDS Version 1.0 into Hindi language and reliability testing of hISCIQoLBDS. In the translation phase, the data set was forward translated by two independent professional translators. Then backward translation was done by another pair of professional translators to ensure the essence of the data set. For their feedback, field testing of hISCIQoLBDS was done on ten individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). After this, an expert panel reviewed their recommendations, and the final hISCIQoLBDS was administered on 50 participants with SCI for test-retest reliability of the data set.

RESULTS

hISCIQoLBDS was found to be equivalent to ISCIQoLBDS Version 1.0 on back-translation. It showed high test-retest reliability for each item in the data set. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) for items of hISCIQoLBDS was within the range of (0.91-0.98).

CONCLUSION

The hISCIQoLBDS is a stepwise systematic Hindi translation of the ISCIQoLBDS Version 1.0 for the Hindi literate population with high test-retest reliability. It can facilitate international data exchange on the quality of life (QoL) of Hindi literate individuals with SCI.

Evaluation of the International Spinal Cord Injury Bowel Function Basic Data Set Version 2.0 in Children and Youth With Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVES

To establish the utility and feasibility of the International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction (SCI/D) Bowel Function Basic Data Set Version 2.0 in pediatric SCI populations.

METHODS

This was a noninterventional, repeated measure design conducted in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Kentucky, and South Carolina. The International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction (SCI/D) Bowel Function Basic Data Set Version 2.0 was administered repeatedly, twice at the point of care and once over the phone. Time to complete the data set was recorded. Inter- and intrarater reliability was examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and agreement between the bowel function basic data set variables and medical records was calculated using percentages. Intrarater reliability involved the same person administering the data once at the point of care and once over the phone.

RESULTS

Forty-one children/youth ages 1 to 20 years participated in this study. Average time to complete the data set was 5.17 minutes. Interrater reliability was good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75) for most variables. Five variables had moderate interrater reliability (ICC = 0.05-0.74) and three had poor interrater reliability (ICC < 0.05). With the exception of one variable that had poor intrarater reliability (constipating agent, ICC = 0.00) and one that approached moderate reliability (digital evacuation, ICC = 0.74), intrarater reliability was good to strong for every bowel variable (ICC = 0.88-1.00). Only 12 (32%) medical records had explicit documentation of one or more of the variables on the Basic Bowel Function Basic Data Set V2.0.

CONCLUSION

The results support future research with a larger and more diverse sample of children with SCI to build upon the psychometric work described herein.

Active use and perceptions of parks as urban assets for physical activity: A mixed-methods study

Parks are potential key urban assets for improved population health; however, their use is not equal among all social groups. Individual and contextual factors could influence residents' perceptions of parks and how they interact with and, eventually, benefit from them. The use of complementary methodologies provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between park use, physical activity (PA), and residents' perceptions. Thus, we designed a mixed-methods study to analyze differences in park use and PA, and the perceptions of parks as urban assets for PA. We selected six parks from three neighborhoods in Madrid (Spain) with different neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) for systematic social observation. We registered park users by age, PA level (low, medium, and high), gender, and NSES using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) audit tool adapted for iOS software (iSOPARC). We also conducted 37 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus groups to analyze residents' perceptions of parks as urban assets for PA in the same neighborhoods. We adopted a convergent-parallel design to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, and to describe the convergence and divergence areas between them. Parks within the high-NSES were more visited, showing a higher proportion of people performing high PA (11.9%) as compared to residents of the middle (9.3%) and low-NSES (3.2%). Female visitors showed lower PA levels compared to men, especially for parks within high-NSES. The following issues were reported as influence urban park use and perceptions: park maintenance and area perception, works constraints, insecurity and crime, differential perceptions by age, and the availability of organized activities in the parks. Residents from high-NSES reported fewer barriers to park use compared to residents from the other areas, who reported limitations such as less leisure time due to job constrains or perceived insecurity in parks. Senior participants reported that having parks with organized activities and a design oriented towards different age-groups are valuable. Our study shows consistency between the fewer and less intense use of parks registered in the middle and low-NSES neighborhoods, and the more barriers for PA reported in this areas during the qualitative analysis. Mixed-methods provided an insight of the potential causes leading to the differences in park use and PA within cities, which is essential in terms of environmental justice and health equity. Thus, a mixed-methods comprehensive approach to public health problems can help designing public policies addressing relevant factors related to urban health inequities.

Can we improve our neighbourhoods to be more physically active? Residents' perceptions from a qualitative urban health inequalities study

The objective of our study was to identify neighbourhood factors which prevent and encourage physical activity, according to the residents' perspective. We used qualitative methods, conducting 37 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus groups. The main results were that the type of physical activity that took place in every neighbourhood was different; access to sports facilities varied due to prices and safety issues; garbage and obstacles on sidewalks were a serious limitation to physical activity; economic instability had an impact on physical activity. These results might lead the perception and insights of residents to be considered in public health interventions.

Immigration and use of public spaces and food stores in a large city: A qualitative study on urban health inequalities

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In the low- and middle-SES neighbourhoods there were a difficult coexistence with immigrants.

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Some of the interviewees and participants in FGs identified the immigrants who lived in their neighbourhoods as a threat, specially in the use of the public space.

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The food stores managed by immigrants were rejected and denounced by scarce quality of their foods.

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Demand for small traditional food stores in all neighbourhoods.

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The lack of social contact can be harmful for the health of immigrants and native residents.

The analysis of urban health transformations must include the study of how neighbourhoods are influenced by demographic changes such as immigration. The objective of this study was to analyse how the relationship between native and immigrant residents in neighbourhoods with different socio-economic levels influenced the use of urban health assets, such as public spaces and food stores. Three Madrid neighbourhoods of different socio-economic levels were selected and studied by conducting 37 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus groups. Data analysis was based on qualitative sequential discourse.

The main finding was that the presence of immigrants in Madrid neighbourhoods, especially with low and medium socio-economic levels, was perceived negatively, affecting the use of public spaces and food stores. This negative perception unfolded in three dimensions: (1) difficulties for natives and immigrants to live together; (2) limitations on using public spaces caused by a feeling of insecurity; (3) criticism of immigrant food stores, especially Chinese-run food stores. Our findings showed a worrisome lack of social contact between immigrants and native residents, which affected the use of urban health assets, such as public spaces and food stores.

Implementation of multilingual support of the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI) ISNCSCI calculator

Objectives

Since their introduction, electronic International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) calculators have evolved to powerful tools providing error-free ISNCSCI classifications in education, research and clinical practice. For increased accessibility and dissemination, a multilingual support is mandatory. The aim of this work was to setup a general multilingual framework for the freely available ISNCSCI calculator (https://ais.emsci.org) of the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI).

Methods

The graphical user interface (GUI) and PDF export of the ISNCSCI worksheet were adapted for multilingual implementations. Their language-dependent content was identified. These two steps called internationalization have to be performed by a programmer in preparation of the translations of the English terms into the target language. This step following the internationalization is called localization and needs input by a bi-lingual clinical expert. Two EMSCI partners provided Standard Mandarin Chinese and Czech translations. Finally, the translations are made available in the application.

Results

The GUI and PDF export of the ISNCSCI worksheet were internationalized. The default language of the calculator is set according to the user’s preferences with the additional possibility for manual language selection. The Chinese as well as a Czech translation were provided freely to the SCI community.

Conclusions

The possibility of multilingual implementations independent from software developers opens the use of ISNCSCI computer algorithms as an efficient training tool on a larger scale.

An investigation into the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) in individuals with spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

Study on psychometric properties.

SETTING

An inpatient rehabilitation facility in China.

SUBJECTS

102 participants with spinal cord injury. Mean (SD) age was 48.8 (15.6) years; tetraplegia/paraplegia ratio was 50/52; median time post injury was 2 months.

INTERVENTION

SCIM III was translated into Chinese. Chinese versions of Barthel Index and SCIM III were filled out for each participant by Rater 1. SCIM III was then administered by Rater 2 after 24 hours (n = 67) and 7 days (n = 65).

MAIN MEASURES

Validity, inter-rater/test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the Chinese version of SCIM III.

RESULTS

The total scores between the two raters were similar (mean ± SD: 33.8 ± 25.8 vs 33.8 ± 25.5, P = 0.95). Total agreement between the raters in each item was >80%, with both Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients >0.97 (P < 0.01) for each subscale and total score. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the two independent assessments performed by Rater 2 were also >0.97 (P < 0.01) for each subscale and the total score. Cronbach α was >0.7 for each subscale and the total score for both raters. High consistency was found between Barthel Index and SCIM III total scores (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.88, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of SCIM III is valid and reliable for the functional assessment of patients with SCI.

Urban environment and dietary behaviours as perceived by residents living in socioeconomically diverse neighbourhoods: A qualitative study in a Mediterranean context

Scholars have determined that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with unhealthy dietary behaviours and that local food environments shape food inequality. Less is known about how residents' perceptions of their food environment affect their dietary behaviours. We conducted 37 semistructured interviews and 29 focus groups in three socioeconomically distinct neighbourhoods in Madrid. We identified the following main categories related to social and physical food environments: (a) perceptions of healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviours, (b) children's relationships with food, (c) precariousness and (d) residential food retailer types. Older adults were perceived as healthier consumers, whereas younger people were identified as fast-food consumers. In the low- and middle-SES neighbourhoods, residents saw home-cooked legume-based stews as healthy food. In the high-SES neighbourhood, television cooking programs were highlighted as a positive influence. In the low- and middle-SES neighbourhoods, grandparents played an essential role in the transmission of healthy eating habits to their grandchildren. In the high-SES neighbourhood, children's diets at home were determined by school menus. In the low- and middle-SES neighbourhoods, participants talked about a black market where food could be purchased. Food retailers with low-quality foods were also highlighted. In all neighbourhoods, residents missed traditional food stores, and in the low- and middle-SES neighbourhoods, immigrant-run food stores were not well accepted. Our study presents the concepts shaping how neighbourhood SES differences affect dietary behaviours according to residents of a large Mediterranean city.

Qualitative examination of the perceived effects of a comprehensive smoke-free law according to neighborhood socioeconomic status in a large city

Smoke-free legislations aim to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and improve population health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore residents' perceptions to understand how people living in distinctive SES neighborhoods are differently affected by comprehensive smoke-free laws in a large city like Madrid, Spain. We conducted a qualitative project with 37 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus group discussions in three different SES neighborhoods within the city of Madrid. Constructivist grounded theory was used to analyze the transcripts. One core category arose in our analyses: Neighborhood inequalities in second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in outdoor places. The enactment of the comprehensive smoke-free law resulted in unintended consequences that affected neighborhoods differently: relocation of smokers to outdoor setting, SHS exposure, noise disturbance and cigarette butt littering. Changes in the urban environment in the three neighborhoods resulted in the denormalization of smoking in outdoor public places, which was more clearly perceived in the high SES neighborhood. Changes in the built environment in outdoor areas of hospitality venues were reported to actually facilitate smoking. Comprehensive smoke-free laws resulted in denormalization of smoking, which might be effective in reducing SHS exposure. Extending smoking bans to outdoor areas like bus stops and hospitality venues is warranted and should include a public health inequalities perspective.

Reliability of the international spinal cord injury urodynamic basic data set version 1.0

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess interrater and intrarater reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Urodynamic Basic Data Set (UBS) version 1.0.

SETTING

Urodynamic clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.

METHODS

Two raters independently analyzed urodynamic tracings from 50 patients and completed the UBS twice, each test 1 month apart. The interrater and intrarater reliability of this data set were analyzed using Kappa, Weighted Kappa, and the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients, 72% were male. The mean (SD) age was 48.2 (16.6) years. The median time (IQR) since the injury was 27 months (0-101 months). The interrater reliability of the items of UBS were substantial to almost perfect (0.78-0.99). The intrarater reliability of the first rater was fair to almost perfect (0.37-1.00). The intrarater reliability of the second rater was moderate to almost perfect (0.51-1.00). Relatively low interrater and intrarater reliability were observed in bladder compliance and urethral function items.

CONCLUSION

The first version of UBS has acceptable interrater and intrarater reliability on most items. Although bladder compliance and urethral function have problematic interrater and intrarater reliability, they have been adjusted in the second version. Due to its simplicity and reliability, UBS is clinically useful for urodynamic assessment in people with SCI.

The reliability and validity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data set in people with spinal cord injuries from a middle-income country: a psychometric study of the Thai version

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To examine psychometric properties, including internal consistency, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, of the Thai version of the International Spinal Cord Injury (ISCI) Quality of Life Basic Data Set (QoL-BDS).

SETTING

Outpatient rehabilitation clinic, urodynamic clinic, and rehabilitation ward at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.

METHODS

Participants were assigned to complete two assessment tools, the Thai version of QoL-BDS which consisted of three single items on satisfaction with life as a whole, physical health and psychological health, and the Thai version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) completed by face to face interview. After 2 weeks, the participants were evaluated the QoL-BDS again via telephone interviewing to assess test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty people with spinal cord injury (SCI) were included in the study. Of all participants, 103 people had a traumatic SCI. The mean (SD) age was 43.0 (13.1) years and the median (IQR) time after SCI was 7.5 (1-14) years. The Thai version of QoL-BDS had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89), fair to good construct validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.43-0.57, p < 0.01) and good to excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.73-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The Thai version of QoL-BDS had acceptable psychometric properties. As it is concise, QoL-BDS should be encouraged in healthcare providers to investigate QoL in people with SCI, especially in middle-income countries.

INTERnational Project for the Evaluation of "activE Rehabilitation" (inter-PEER) - a protocol for a prospective cohort study of community peer-based training programmes for people with spinal cord injury

Background

Active Rehabilitation (AR) is a community peer-based concept for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) that is primarily delivered through brief residential training programmes. Despite a plethora of positive anecdotal evidence of AR programmes as life-changing experiences, the effects of AR-programmes have not been evaluated scientifically. Here, we present the protocol of the INTERnational Project for the Evaluation of “activE Rehabilitation” (inter-PEER) aiming to evaluate the effects of AR training programmes on community-dwelling individuals with SCI.

Methods

International prospective cohort study that recruits consecutive participants in AR training programmes. Evaluation is conducted through a web-based survey at 3 time-points: at the commencement and completion of the training programme, and 3 months after the end of the training programme. Evaluation also includes a practical wheelchair skills test at the first two time-points.

The primary outcome measures are the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-report (SCIM-SR), the Queensland Evaluation of Wheelchair Skills test (QEWS), the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q) and the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES). The secondary outcome measures are the 11-item Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-11), the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-Participation), the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for people with SCI (LTPAQ-SCI) and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10).

We piloted the implementation of the protocol in Sweden in 7 participants with diverse SCI and sociodemographic characteristics and collected feedback from participants and peer-mentors about study procedures through interviews, a workshop and field observations.

Discussion

Inter-PEER is the first initiative to propose a systematic evaluation of the effects of AR training programmes among individuals with SCI. The project is a collaborative work of multiple stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, peer mentors with SCI, and administrators of organisations providing AR programmes. The inter-PEER uses standardised outcome measures relevant to the AR context, it will facilitate quality evaluations of community peer-based programmes, stimulate international collaborations, and inform the design of randomised controlled trials on the effects of AR training programmes.

Translation and validation of two International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Sets-a modified process

Study design

A descriptive design was used of a reflective process of problem solving among individuals working together to improve the process of translating.

Setting

Sweden.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe a modified process for translation and validation of the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Quality of Life (QoL) and Activity and Participation (A&P) Basic Data Sets from English into Swedish.

Methods

The process of translation followed the Executive Committee for the International SCI Standards and Data Sets (ECSCI) recommendations. The initial translation was performed by translators. Experts in SCI were then assembled to scrutinize the translations and to reach a consensus for defining a final version.

Results

The whole process was time consuming. To save time in future translations, the start-up planning is of great importance. To identify appropriate participants with knowledge and interest to be part of the project is crucial. In addition, the consensus meetings, when scrutinizing the translated International SCI Data Sets, should be well prepared and structured. We identified a few steps that could make the process more efficient.

Conclusions

By adding a few steps as well as defining the role of a project coordinator, we believe that future translations of the International SCI Data Sets for non-English-speaking countries could be facilitated.

The International Spinal Cord Injury Pediatric Activity and Participation Basic Data Set

Study design

International focus groups.

Objectives

The objective of this project was to develop the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Pediatric Activity and Participation (A&P) Basic Data Set.

Methods

A focus group of experts in pediatric and adult SCI, and contributors of the existing adult International SCI Adult A&P Basic Data Set convened to develop an initial draft of the data set, which was iteratively refined over a 12 month period based on relevant literature and existing outcome measures that evaluate pediatric activity and participation. The draft was reviewed and approved by the larger project working group and then distributed to the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), and relevant expert groups for review. Feedback received was considered before the final data set was approved.

Results

The International SCI Pediatric A&P Basic Data Set is comprised of 13 variables: administration date, mobility, dressing, feeding, toileting, communication, family outings, spending time with friends, being out with friends, participating in team or club activity, paid work, dating, and physical activity. It is intended for children between 6 and 17 years of age, who have been discharged from initial rehabilitation/hospitalization for a minimum of 3 months.

Conclusion

The International SCI Pediatric A&P Basic Data Set was developed to standardize the recording of a minimal amount of information about activities and participation in children with SCI. Further work on reliability and cultural validation is needed.

Sponsorship

This study was funded by the Rick Hansen Institute, Research Award #G2015-27 (Mulcahey, PI).

Development of the International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction Education Basic Data Set

Study design

Consensus among international experts.

Objectives

The objective of this project was to develop the International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction (SCI/D) Education Basic Data Set.

Setting

International expert working group.

Methods

The published guidelines for developing the International SCI Basic Data Sets were used to develop the International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set. Existing measures and literature on education and disability were reviewed to develop a preliminary draft of the basic education data set through iterative modifications via biweekly conference calls and email communication. The draft was disseminated to the larger International Workgroup for Development of Pediatric SCI/D Basic Data Sets and then to the members of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), and relevant expert groups and interested individuals for comments. All feedback received was taken into consideration before the final data set was approved by ISCoS and ASIA.

Results

The finalized version of the International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set Version 1.0 contains 16 items divided into three domains: school setting/therapeutic services, school participation/academic success, and barriers/attitudes. Most of the variables have been adapted from established measures. This data set is intended for children and youth up to and including high school, but not for emerging adults in higher education or postsecondary vocational training or trade schools.

Conclusion

The International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set has been developed for collection of a minimal amount of highly relevant information on the education experience in children and youth with SCI/D. Further validation work is needed.

Sponsorship

This project was funded by the Rick Hansen Institute, Research Award #G2015-27 (Mulcahey, PI).

The dark side of the work of immigrant women caregivers in Spain: Qualitative interview findings

AIM

To analyse the perception that immigrant women caregivers have of their relationship with the person receiving the care and their family and the possible impact those relationships may have on a caregiver's health.

DESIGN

A qualitative study was conducted.

METHODS

Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were applied in the Spanish city of Salamanca from November 2015-November 2016. The "interpretative hermeneutics" technique was used as the framework for the analysis.

RESULTS

The discourse studied indicated that the immigrant women's cultural background, as well as their gender's assumed stereotypes, gave rise to an emotional attachment to the person receiving the care, which could generate a burden. Most of the women interviewed reported situations of abuse from the old people under their care. The fact that increasingly more old people are being cared for by immigrant women renders it necessary for social and health policies to consider this collective.

Epidemiological characteristics and early complications after spinal cord injury in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Study design

Prospective cohort study

Objectives

To describe epidemiological data and complications after acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Setting

University Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedics, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Center (TOARILUC), Mother Teresa, Skopje, FYROM.

Method

During the inclusion period March 2015 to September 2016, 38 tSCI patients were included. MRI, CT scan, and clinical examinations including International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI were performed at admission. The information included: demographic data, transport type, date of admission and discharge, past illnesses, addiction habits, cause and type of injury, injury level, associated injuries, injury-related complications, and mortality.

Results

Mean age was 43 years (median 41, range 17–83). Seventeen patients had a complete and 15 an incomplete SCI, six were unknown. Most frequent causes for tSCI were traffic accidents (42%) and falls (40%), 24% of the accidents were contracted at work. Sixteen patients were ventilator dependent at some point during the acute period. Common complications were pressure ulcers, gastrointestinal-related, and infections. Hospital length of stay (LOS) ranged from 1 to 73 days. The in-hospital mortality rate was 32%.

Conclusion

The annual incidence of tSCI in FYROM was in 2015–16 13 persons/million inhabitants per year. The epidemiological profile of tSCI in FYROM implies that preventive measures should be taken to reduce incidence of accidents in traffic and at work places. The high mortality rate and complications underline further actions to improve the acute care of tSCI in FYROM.

Lack of knowledge and training are the major obstacles in application of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) in China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use of functional outcome measurements after spinal cord injury (SCI) in current clinical practice and to explore the knowledge about the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) among SCI physicians in China, and to find facilitators for a broader utilization of SCIM.

DESIGN

A survey-based study.

SETTING

SCI workshops at Peking University.

PARTICIPANTS

125 Chinese SCI physicians attending annual workshops in two consecutive years.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

OUTCOME MEASURES

A questionnaire was administered. The following items were included: whether functional outcome measurement for SCI individuals was performed and with which assessment tool(s); what items should be included in the assessment; whether they knew about the SCIM, its latest version, the Chinese translation, and if so from what source; the possible reasons why SCIM was not implemented in clinical practice; and whether training before using the SCIM was needed, and the training method preferred.

RESULTS

Among these physicians, 84.8% performed functional outcome measurement for individuals with SCI, but only 29.6% of attendees were aware of the SCIM and 20.8% had used it. Lack of training was the major reason why SCIM was not used in clinical practice. Furthermore, 74.4% of the physicians felt they needed formal training before using the SCIM.

CONCLUSION

The use of SCIM is limited in clinical practice in China, which is mainly attributed to lack of knowledge and training. Formal training on the use of the SCIM is essential for its dissemination and will improve functional SCI outcome measurement in China.

Cross-sectional and prospective data-collection in North Macedonia-methodological considerations

Study design

Cross-sectional and prospective cohort-study.

Objectives

To describe methodological issues, experienced challenges related to data collection in North Macedonia and to discuss possible improvements of epidemiological data collection in future studies.

Setting

Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedics, Anesthesia, Reanimation, Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Center, Mother Teresa Skopje University Hospital, Skopje and community settings, North Macedonia.

Method

A description of methodological challenges experienced in collecting data from 78 persons with acute and chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) examined and interviewed in 2015-2017 using a semiquantitative questionnaire and standard assessments tools.

Results

This study identified three major challenges with data collection in this setting: (1) research logistics and procedures, such as recruitment, infrastructure, and compensation, (2) ethical issues and the initial lack of mutual trust and understanding between researchers and participants, and (3) scientific quality and interpretation, including representativeness.

Conclusions

Methodological issues influenced by settings, are important to consider when interpreting study results. Healthcare systems vary between (and sometimes in) countries, language and culture may introduce barriers to understanding, and epidemiological research also rely on infrastructure and surroundings. For this study, making time for and listening to the participants without being intruding was of special importance in building trust and a good relationship with the participants during recruiting participants and collecting data. We here provide suggestions regarding how to facilitate future epidemiological data collections in North Macedonia.

Reproducibility of the international spinal cord injury quality of life basic data set: an international psychometric study

STUDY DESIGN

Psychometric study.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the reproducibility of the international spinal cord injury quality of life basic data set (QoL-BDS) in an international sample of community-dwelling adults with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/SCD) and in subgroups with respect to age (< 50 vs. ≥ 50 years) and etiology.

SETTING

Outpatient rehabilitation clinics and community.

METHODS

Participants were people living with SCI/D in four countries, at least 1 year post onset and at least 18 years of age. The QoL-BDS consists of three items on satisfaction with life as a whole, physical health and psychological health rated on a 0-10 numerical rating scale. A fourth item on satisfaction with social life was included based on feedback from participants.

RESULTS

A total of 79 people were included. Median age was 52 years. Most participants (69.6%) had SCI, paraplegia (53%), and 40.5% reported a motor complete injury. Median time between tests was 14 days (range 4-27). Intra-class correlation (ICC) values of the items ranged from 0.66 to 0.80. ICC values of the three-item and four-item total scores were identical and good (0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.89). Subgroup analyses showed ICC values ranging from 0.76 to 0.83. Bland-Altman plots suggested no bias for the three-item total score, but some bias for the four-item total score. The limits of agreement of both scores were similar, wide at individual level and small at group level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of reproducibility of the current version of the QoL-BDS. When adding a fourth item, reproducibility was maintained.

Preliminary psychometric analyses of the International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary psychometric analysis of cross-sectional previously collected data.

OBJECTIVES

Explore the floor and ceiling effects, convergent, and divergent validity of the International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Quality of Life Data Set (SCI QoL-BDS) in a sample of people with spinal cord damage (SCD) from different countries, with different causes (both traumatic and non-traumatic), and different settings.

SETTING

Community dwellers with SCD in Australia, Brazil, India, The Netherlands, and USA, and inpatient rehabilitation: India.

METHODS

Adults (>18 years) with chronic SCD with either traumatic or non-traumatic aetiologies living in the community (n = 624), in inpatient rehabilitation following the onset of SCI (India; n = 115) and able-bodied controls (Australia; n = 220) had the following data collected by survey or face-face interview: SCI QoL-BDS, demographic and clinical characteristics (e.g., age, gender, years post SCI/SCD, education, employment) and reference measures of quality of life, disability and depression.

RESULTS

For the whole sample, there were no notable floor or ceiling effects, internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84) and the corrected item-total correlations generally were acceptable (all > 0.3 except for in Brazilian cohort). Convergent and divergent validity were largely confirmed though there were some aspects of validity that were suboptimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Only minor psychometric issues were identified. This preliminary analysis suggests that there are no reason for concern about the use of the SCI QoL-BDS for clinical or research purposes, notwithstanding the need for further studies.

Family caregivers' perceptions of maltreatment of older adults with dementia: findings from the northwest of Spain

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that implies a risk factor of maltreatment by family caregivers. In this study, we analyzed both informal caregiver's perceptions of maltreatment and aspects of the caregiver and caregiving behavior that may be associated with maltreatment. We conducted five focus groups (FGs) in three Spanish cities: Segovia, Soria and León. The themes that were identified were related to two levels of maltreatment: (a) relational and (b) institutional. At the relational level, we observed the justification of maltreatment of Older Adults with Dementia (OAswD) by family caregivers during the occurrence of behavioral symptoms. At the institutional level, we noted that lack of support from the government was considered a type of maltreatment. These themes suggest that policy issues related to healthcare should be considered.

TRADUÇÃO PARA LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA DO DATA SET TRATO URINÁRIO INFERIOR PARA INDIVÍDUOS COM LESÃO MEDULAR

RESUMO Objetivo: traduzir e adaptar para a língua portuguesa o data set do trato urinário inferior para indivíduos com lesão medular proposto pela International Spinal Cord Society e American Spinal Injury Association. Método: constitui-se de um estudo metodológico de tradução de instrumento, com a participação de um grupo de cinco especialistas que participaram das fases de tradução e retrotradução e cinco juízes. O Data set foi traduzido e adaptado segundo as recomendações metodológicas da International Spinal Cord Society e American Spinal Injury Association. Resultados: para a etapa de tradução, 56% das sentenças foram traduzidas com unanimidade pelos três tradutores convidados. Das nove questões que compunham o instrumento apenas quatro apresentaram divergências. Conclusão: obteve-se um instrumento traduzido e culturalmente adaptado para avaliação do trato urinário inferior de pessoas com lesão medular em língua portuguesa, proporcionando a participação brasileira nos estudos multicêntricos internacionais sobre lesão medular.

Implementation of a Standardized Dataset for Collecting Information on Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Background: Over the last decade, the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets project developed a number of International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets (ISCIDS) that can be used to collect standardized information on patients with SCI. Objective and Methods: The aim of this article is to describe the process of translating the ISCIDS into Dutch and reaching consensus on a Dutch National SCI Data Set (NDD). The interrater reliability of the NDD and implementation of the NDD at eight rehabilitation centers with a specialty in rehabilitation after SCI in the Netherlands are described. Results: NDD was implemented successfully at all eight centers. Some adaptations were made to the ISCIDS, especially to the core data set. The reliability coefficients of the NDD items were at least sufficient (mean kappa per data set ranged between .68 and .91), and mean agreement per data set ranged from 66% to 97%. Experiences from the participating centers were mainly positive as well. The main obstacle for use was thought to be the absence of a link between the local patient files and the national database, which necessitates double data entry. Conclusion: Although the results on interrater reliability are based on a small sample size and the assessment situation is different from the normal clinical situation, this study showed the NDD to be a useful instrument to collect standardized information on patients with SCI in the Netherlands. In the future, a connection between systems or another way to centrally collect the data is recommended to prevent double data entry and to guarantee continuation of administration of the NDD.

Reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury Upper Extremity Basic Data Set

STUDY DESIGN

It is a psychometrics study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the inter-rater reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury Upper Extremity Basic Data Set (ISCI-UE).

SETTING

Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

METHODS

Individuals with subacute and chronic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) were recruited. One examiner rated five parts of the ISCI-UE, including the ability to reach and grasp, the shoulder function classification, utilization of adaptive devices used to enhance upper-extremity function, complications affecting upper-extremity function, and upper extremity/hand reconstructive surgery. A second blinded examiner repeated the procedures within 1 day. Quadratic weighted kappa was calculated to determine the inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Sixty participants were included in the study. Fifty-two patients were men, and the mean (SD) age of participants was 42.9 (14.3) years. The median (interquartile range) time since injury was 9.5 (1-53) months. A total of 117 upper limbs were assessed. The inter-rater reliability was substantial, with almost perfect agreement in all items (ability to reach and grasp = 0.98; shoulder function classification = 0.97; use of assistive devices = 0.89; complications = 0.74; and surgery = 1).

CONCLUSION

The International Spinal Cord Injury Upper Extremity Basic Data Set (ISCI-UE) has very good inter-rater reliability for evaluating individuals with cervical SCI.

Progress of the Dutch Spinal Cord Injury Database: Completeness of Database and Profile of Patients Admitted for Inpatient Rehabilitation in 2015

Background: In the Dutch International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Sets project, we translated all International SCI Data Sets available in 2012 and created a Dutch SCI Database (NDD). Objective: To describe the number of included patients and completeness of the NDD, and to use the NDD to provide a profile of people with traumatic SCI (T-SCI) and non-traumatic SCI (NT-SCI) in the Netherlands. Methods: The NDD includes patients admitted for their first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of SCI to 1 of the 8 rehabilitation centers with a specialty in SCI rehabilitation in the Netherlands. Data of patients admitted in 2015 were analyzed. Results: Data for 424 patients were available at admission; for 310 of these patients (73.1%), discharge data were available. No significant differences were found between patients with and without data at discharge. Data were nearly complete (>90%) for lower urinary tract, bowel, pain, and skin. Data on sexual function has the lowest completion rate. Complete neurological and functional data were available for 41.7% and 38%, respectively. Most patients were male (63.4%), had NT-SCI (65.5%), and had incomplete SCI (58.4% D). Patients with T-SCI differed from patients with NT-SCI on most characteristics, and they stayed considerably longer in the rehabilitation center (112 days vs 65 days, p < .001). Place of discharge was not different between both groups. Conclusion: With the NDD, we collect important data on the majority of Dutch SCI patients, although much work needs to be done to improve the completeness of the data collection.

Chronic pain experience and pain management in persons with spinal cord injury in Nepal

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic pain is the frequent and significantly challenging complications in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Socio-cultural background may lead people perceive and manage pain differently. The study aims to describe the chronic pain experience and pain management of SCI persons in Nepal.

METHODS

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among purposively selected sample of 120 SCI persons with chronic pain living in the eight districts of Bagmati Zone of Nepal. The data were collected using the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set Version 2 (ISCIPBDS-2) and Open-ended Pain Management Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis method.

RESULTS

The back (n=84), lower legs/feet (n=63) and buttocks/hips (n=51) was found as the common pain locations. In common, the onset of pain was found within the first 6 month of the injury. Overall pain intensity and pain interference were found to be at the moderate level. The SCI persons used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management. Ibuprofen was the commonly used pain medication and commonly used non-pharmacological pain management methods included physical support (e.g. massage, exercise), relaxation (e.g. distraction, substance abuse), coping (e.g. acceptance, praying), and traditional herbs.

CONCLUSIONS

SCI persons had chronic pain experience which interfered with their daily living. They used pain medications and non-pharmacological pain management methods based on their beliefs, knowledge, and community resources in Nepal.

IMPLICATIONS

This study provides some evidence to help the team of rehabilitation professional to plan and help SCI persons with chronic pain. Based on these findings, chronic pain management intervention for SCI persons should be developed and supported continuously from hospital to home based community context of Nepal.

Administration of assessment instruments during the first rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury: a retrospective chart analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To examine which professionals administered which assessment instruments in which patient in clinical practice during first rehabilitation after newly acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) and the differences in the frequencies of different assessments between patient groups.

SETTING

Specialized SCI acute care and rehabilitation clinic.

METHODS

Patients after SCI, aged 18 years and above, admitted for first rehabilitation between December 2014 and December 2015 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics of 54 selected assessments. p values based on the χ ² test were calculated for assessments used in both paraplegic and tetraplegic patients.

RESULTS

One hundred and nineteen patients were screened. Forty-one assessments were administered, of which 10 on average more than once per patient. The most frequently used assessments were Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (7.7 times per patient), Skin Assessment (3.6 times), and Manual Muscle Test (3.2 times for Lower Extremities; 2.5 times for Upper Extremities). The American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale was administered on average 1.9 times per patient. More variation in the number of assessments per patient was observed in patients with complete and incomplete lesions compared to patients with paraplegia and tetraplegia.

CONCLUSION

Assessments covering neurological functioning, mobility, and self-care are used in clinical practice during first rehabilitation of patients with SCI, while others covering autonomic functioning, pain, participation, or quality of life are still missing. Based on these observations and national and international requirements, a meaningful standard for an assessment toolkit, applicable in general and in specific subgroups, needs to be defined and implemented.

Detection of maltreatment of people with dementia in Spain: usefulness of the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE)

The objective of our study is to validate the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) as an instrument for detecting the maltreatment of people with dementia in Spain. In total, 326 informal caregivers of people with different types of dementia were interviewed in several cities in northwest Spain. The caregivers were selected from outpatient neurology clinics and associations of relatives of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. A comprehensive sociodemographic questionnaire was administered to all participants, and several standardized scales were used to assess burden, anxiety, depression, social support and resilience. The "Psychological Aggression" and "Physical Assault" dimensions of the Revised Conflicts Tactics Scale were used as risk factors of caregivers' maltreatment for the construct validation. To establish the probability of maltreatment, a latent class analysis was carried out according to the item responses obtained from the CASE. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the CASE was 0.71. The construct validity was explored through factorial analysis, and we found that two dimensions of CASE-i.e., interpersonal abuse and neglect/dependency-explained 62.5% of the variability. According to the latent class probabilities, 20.4% of participants were categorized as possible abusers and 21.4% as non-abusers. The optimal maltreatment cutoff point was six points on the CASE. The validation of the CASE provides us a brief and easy instrument for detecting possible cases of maltreatment of Spanish people with dementia.

Treatment diary for botulinum toxin spasticity treatment: a pilot study

The aim of this study is to develop a treatment diary for patients receiving spasticity treatment including botulinum toxin injection and physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy. The diary focuses on problems triggered by skeletal muscle overactivity; agreed goals for treatment and the patient’s self-evaluation of achievement on the Goal Attainment Scale; which skeletal muscles were injected; physiotherapists’ and occupational therapists’ evaluation of the patients’ achievement of objectives on the Goal Attainment Scale; and proposals for optimization of treatment and changing goals. The evaluation included a satisfaction questionnaire and the WHO-QoL BREF and WHO-5 well-being score. Overall, 10 patients were enrolled in the pilot study. The patients were generally satisfied with the diary, found that it involved them more in their treatment and made it easier to set personal goals, and found it worth the time spent using it. However, no clear advantage in relation to their quality of life (WHO-QoL BREF and WHO-5 well-being score) was reported.

Standardization of Data for Clinical Use and Research in Spinal Cord Injury

Increased survival after spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide has enhanced the need for quality data that can be compared and shared between centers, countries, as well as across research studies, to better understand how best to prevent and treat SCI. Such data should be standardized and be able to be uniformly collected at any SCI center or within any SCI study. Standardization will make it possible to collect information from larger SCI populations for multi-center research studies. With this aim, the international SCI community has obtained consensus regarding the best available data and measures for use in SCI clinical practice and research. Reporting of SCI data is likewise standardized. Data elements are continuously updated and developed using an open and transparent process. There are ongoing internal, as well as external review processes, where all interested parties are encouraged to participate. The purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of the initiatives to standardize data including the International Spinal Cord Society's International SCI Data Sets and the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Common Data Elements Project within SCI and discuss future opportunities.

Reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury Musculoskeletal Basic Data Set

STUDY DESIGN

Psychometric study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability and content validity of the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Musculoskeletal Basic Data Set (ISCIMSBDS).

SETTING

Four centers with one in each of the countries in Australia, England, India and the United States of America.

METHODS

A total of 117 participants with a C2 to S1 neurological level and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A to D injury were recruited. The median (interquartile range) time since injury was 9 years (2-29). Fifty-seven participants were assessed by the same assessor, and 60 participants were assessed by two different assessors on two different occasions to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Kappa statistics or crude agreement was used to measure reliability. Content validity was assessed through focus group interviews of people with SCI and health-care professionals.

RESULTS

The intra-rater reliability ranged from κ=0.62 to 1.00 and crude agreement from 75% to 100% for each of the variables on the ISCIMSBDS. The inter-rater reliability ranged from κ=-0.25 to 1.00, with a diverse crude agreement ranging from 0% to 100%. The inter-rater reliability was unsatisfactory for the following variables: 'Date of fracture', 'Fragility fractures', 'Scoliosis, method of assessment', 'Other musculoskeletal problems' and 'Do any of the above musculoskeletal challenges interfere with your activities of daily living (transfers, walking, dressing, showers, etc.)?'. Results from validity discussions implied no major suggestions for changes.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the ISCIMSBDS is reliable and valid, although 5 of the 12 variables may benefit from further refinement.

Reliability of the radiographic variables in the International Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set compared with the AO classification

STUDY DESIGN

Intra- and interrater reliability study for radiological variables of the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set.

OBJECTIVES

To test reliability of the radiological variables in the International SCI Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set and compare it with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification.

SETTING

The database of Eastern Denmark Regional SCI Referral Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.

METHODS

Ratings of the International SCI Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set radiological variables and AO classification were obtained by two international observers for all the surgically treated spine trauma patients between 1st October 2010 and 31st December 2012 at the Spine Unit, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Statistical analyses for intra- and interrater crude agreement and Cohen's unweighted kappa (κ) coefficients were performed.

RESULTS

For 283 spine injuries, the intra- and interrater reliability for the individual radiological variables of the International SCI Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set was at least substantial (κ=0.67-0.97 for interrater, κ=0.79-0.89 for the intrarater agreement). For the AO classification, intrarater reliability was moderate-to-substantial (κ=0.57-0.75), whereas interrater reliability was substantial (κ=0.67-0.69). The crude intra- and interrater agreement for a combined radiographic SCI Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set variable showed no significant difference compared with the AO classification (P=0.067-0.895).

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability of International SCI Spinal Column Injury Basic Data Set radiological variables is comparable to the AO classification system. We encourage its use for spinal column injury description, thus facilitating data collection and comparison between centres and countries.

Development of the International Spinal Cord Injury Activities and Participation Basic Data Set

STUDY DESIGN

Consensus decision-making process.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to develop an International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Activities and Participation (A&P) Basic Data Set.

SETTING

International working group.

METHODS

A committee of experts was established to select and define A&P data elements to be included in this data set. A draft data set was developed and posted on the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) and American Spinal Injury Association websites and was also disseminated among appropriate organizations for review. Suggested revisions were considered, and a final version of the A&P Data Set was completed.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached to define A&P and to incorporate both performance and satisfaction ratings. Items that were considered core to each A&P domain were selected from two existing questionnaires. Four items measuring activities were selected from the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III to provide basic data on task execution in activities of daily living. Eight items were selected from the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique to provide basic data on the frequency of participation. An additional rating of satisfaction on a three-point scale for each item completes the total of 24 A&P variables.

CONCLUSION

Collection of the International SCI A&P Basic Data Set variables in all future research on SCI outcomes is advised to facilitate comparison of results across published studies from around the world. Additional standardised instruments to assess activities of daily living or participation can be administered, depending on the purpose of a particular study.