Developing core sets for persons with spinal cord injuries based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a way to specify functioning

Evidence based clinical practice guideline for follow-up care in persons with spinal cord injury

Introduction

While it is well-established that follow-up care programs play a crucial role in preventing and early detecting secondary health conditions (SHCs) in persons with spinal cord injury [SCI, including spina bifida (SB)], the availability of evidence-based follow-up care programs remains limited. Under the leadership of the German-speaking Medical Society for Paraplegiology (DMGP), we have developed an evidence based clinical practice guideline for follow-up care of SHCs in persons with SCI and identify research gaps.

Methods

This guideline was developed in accordance with the regulations of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF e.V.). To ensure an evidence-based guidance, we utilized the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) generic core set and ICF Core Set for individuals with SCI in long-term context as our foundational framework. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify existing recommendations for follow-up care and graded the level of evidence according to relevant instruments. Subsequently, we formulated recommendations and achieved consensus through a structured nominal group process involving defined steps and neutral moderation, while adhering to the criteria outlined in the German guideline development instrument (DELBI).

Results

Although there is a fair number of literatures describing prevalence and severity of SHCs after SCI, the amount of literature including recommendations was low (19 for SCI and 6 for SB). Based on the current evidence on prevalence and severity of SHCs and available recommendations, a clinical practice guideline on follow-up care of most relevant SHCs was defined. The recommendations for follow-up care are described in the following chapters: (1) Nervous system; (2) (Neuropathic) pain; (3) Cardiovascular diseases; (4) Respiratory System; (5) Immunological system, vaccination and allergies; (6) Gastrointestinal tract and function; (7) Endocrinological system and nutrition; (8) Urogenital system; (9) Contraception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum care; (10) Musculoskeletal system; (11) Pressure injuries; (12) Psychological health; (13) Medication and polypharmacy.

Conclusion

We could successfully establish an evidence based clinical practice guideline for follow-up care of SHCs in individuals with SCI. There is however a notable lack of high-quality recommendations for SCI follow-up care.

Establishing an Australian pediatric spinal cord disorder register using consumer, health professional, and researcher perspectives

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Pediatric spinal cord disorders (SCD) are rare, and epidemiological data available to support treatment are lacking. The implementation of a national data register tailored to this population would greatly assist clinicians and therapists in guiding clinical practice. This study gathered perspectives surrounding a prospective national pediatric spinal cord disorder register.

DESIGN

Survey and modified Delphi technique.

SETTING

Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

SCD consumers, health professionals, and researchers.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

OUTCOME MEASURES

None.

RESULTS

Purposive sampling recruited 6 consumers and 52 health professionals and researchers working in the field of SCD to participate. The consumer survey contained items including demographic information, general and pediatric-specific SCD health issues, and questions regarding activity and participation. The modified Delphi survey required health professionals and researchers to identify which "collection items" and "administrative features" should be included in a national SCD register for both clinical and research purposes. Seventeen essential and nine optional items, two outcome measures, data collection methods, consumer access, definition of "pediatric," and use of International Data Standards were included in the consensus for a minimum dataset.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a minimum dataset that could inform an Australian register for pediatric SCD. A register linking to an adult database is recommended to ensure coverage across the lifespan. While items for a minimum dataset have been recommended, this dataset is large. Review and refinement of this list are recommended to ensure the register is not overly time-consuming for practical use.

International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) Word Mapping to Determine the Human Functioning Associated with Upper Extremity Surgery for Tetraplegia

Understanding human functioning and disablement, the contributing factors and their interactions in individuals with tetraplegia is important since elective upper extremity (UE) reconstructive surgery is now offered earlier after injury prior to full recognition of what lies ahead. Qualitative and quantitative data were available from a prior series of mixed methods studies, including a case series design capturing the patients' lived-experience perspectives of nerve or tendon transfer surgery, or not as the case may be. The objective of this study was to perform secondary data analysis to determine whether the recommended outcome tools being used by clinicians reflect the all important domains of functioning identified by people with tetraplegia who were considering UE reconstructive procedures. The original 18 candidate themes derived from qualitative analysis were reviewed in retrospect, along with a content analysis of the tools' questions, undertaking word mapping links to the ICF taxonomy. The outcomes tools included in the content analysis were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Questionnaire, The Personal Wellbeing Index, and the Grasp and Release Test. Comparison between clinical outcomes tools and the patient lived-experience data uniquely identified links to Chapter1 (b) Mental functions, which include consciousness, orientation, temperament/personality, energy/drive, and higher-level cognition.

Assessment of the unmediated relationship between neurological impairment and health-related quality of life following spinal cord injury

Objective: To assess the unmediated association between neurological impairment and quality of life (QoL) among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), in the context of both early post-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings.Design: An observational prospective cross-sectional study.Setting: Two neurological rehabilitation centers, specializing in spinal cord injury, within a university hospital.Methods: 156 adults with spinal cord injury in the early post-acute and chronic stages of rehabilitation.Outcome Measures: Participants were categorized into tetraplegia or paraplegia groups based on neurological level of injury, and into complete or incomplete groups based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) score. QoL was assessed by means of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LISAT-9), and Personal Well-Being Index (PWI).Results: WHOQOL-BREF and PWI predicted Level of Injury group classification and WHOQOL-BREF predicted Setting group classification. None of the questionnaires differentiated between the Type of Injury groups. At the early post-acute stage of rehabilitation, the QoL scores of participants with tetraplegia and paraplegia did not differ significantly, while significantly higher QoL scores were revealed in paraplegics in the long-term setting group.Conclusions: A direct, unmediated effect of severity of neurological impairment was revealed with the WHOQOL-BREF, which distinguished between the tetraplegia and paraplegia groups, but not between the complete and incomplete injuries. QoL was significantly higher in paraplegia than in tetraplegia following the early post-acute stage of rehabilitation.

Using both electromyography and movement disorder assessment improved the classification of children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy

AIM

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) are often severely affected and effective treatment is difficult, due to different underlying disease mechanisms. Comprehensive systematic movement disorder evaluations were carried out on patients with this disorder.

METHODS

Patients born from 1995 to 2007 were identified from the Danish Cerebral Palsy Register and referrals to the neuropaediatric centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. They were classified by gross motor function, manual functional ability, communication ability, dystonia and spasticity. Electromyography was carried out on the upper and lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were revised, and aetiological searches for underlying genetic disorders were performed.

RESULTS

We investigated 25 patients with dyskinetic CP at a mean age of 11.7 years. Dystonia, spasticity and rigidity were found in the upper limbs of 21, four and six children, respectively, and in the lower limbs of 18, 18 and three children. The mean total Burke-Fahn-Marsden score for dystonia was 45.02, and the mean Disability Impairment Scale level was 38% for dystonia and 13% for choreoathetosis. Sustained electromyography activity was observed in 20/25 children. Stretching increased electromyography activity more in children with spasticity. There were 10 re-classifications.

CONCLUSION

The children had heterogenic characteristics, and 40% were reclassified after systematic movement disorder evaluation.

Comparison of life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord injury living in 22 countries with different economic status

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and compare life satisfaction (LS) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in 22 countries participating in the International SCI (InSCI) community survey. The study tested the hypothesis that there are differences in LS across InSCI countries according to the countries' economic status specified as gross domestic product per capita purchased power parity (GDP-PPP).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Community setting (22 countries representing all 6 World Health Organization regions).

PARTICIPANTS

Persons (N=12,108) with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI aged at least 18 years, living in the community and able to respond to one of the available language versions of the questionnaire.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Life satisfaction measured by 5 items selected from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF (WHOQOL-5): satisfaction with overall quality of life, health, daily activities, relationships, and living conditions. LS index was calculated as the mean of these 5 items.

RESULTS

The highest level of LS was reported by persons with SCI living in USA, Malaysia, and Switzerland (mean range: 3.76-3.80), and the lowest by persons with SCI living in South Korea, Japan and Morocco (mean range: 2.81-3.16). There was a significant cubic association between LS index and GDP-PPP. Regression Trees analysis revealed the main variables differentiating LS index were GDP-PPP and monthly income, followed by time since injury and education.

CONCLUSIONS

Life satisfaction reported by persons with SCI related mainly to their country economic situation expressed by GDP-PPP and monthly income. The results of this study underscore the need for policy dialogues to avoid inequalities and improve the life experience in persons with SCI.

Profile of patients with spinal cord injuries in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: Implications for vocational rehabilitation

Objectives: To describe the demographic and socio-economic profiles, and injury related characteristics of people who sustain SCIs in KZN in order to provide baseline information to instigate a model that guides employment outcomes amongst PLWSCI.Design: Retrospective analysis of medical files was done.Setting: King Dinizulu Hospital Spinal Unit (KDHSU), this being the biggest provider of acute care for people who sustain SCI in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa was the setting for our study.Participants: Medical files of individuals who sustained SCI between 2009 and 2012 were perused (n = 1049) were perused and 188 met the inclusion criteria.Outcome Measures: Key information from the KDHSU patient's files were extracted using a tool developed using literature and the international spinal cord injury core data set.Results: The average annual incidence rate was 12.3 per 100 000 population. The male to female ratio was 6:4 with the mean age of 36.69 years, ranging from 16-64. Out of those employed (34%), 72% were working fulltime, mostly in the service industry (31%) and 59% were classified as laborers. The majority (61%) of the participants completed high school. The major cause of SCI was non-traumatic (54%) and 66% were classified as incomplete (ASIA). Furthermore, 80% were classified as paraplegia and 19% tetraplegia. The mean LOS was 42.9 days, ranging from 1-764 days, influenced by level of injury, completeness and classification of injury and surgical intervention.Conclusion: The profile of SCI in KwaZulu-Natal is slightly different when compared to other provinces in South Africa and the rest of Africa. There is a need to use epidemiological information (including factors that influence employment) to develop rehabilitation models to guide employment outcomes amongst people living with spinal cord injuries in KZN.

Prioritization of rehabilitation Domains for establishing spinal cord injury high performance indicators using a modification of the Hanlon method: SCI-High Project

Objectives: To prioritize Domains of SCI Rehabilitation Care (SCI-Care) based on clinical importance and feasibility to inform the development of indicators of quality SCI-Care for adults with SCI/D in Canada. Methods: A 17-member external advisory committee, comprised of key stakeholders, ranked 15/37 Domains of rehabilitation previously flagged by the E-scan project team for gaps between knowledge generation and clinical implementation. Priority scores (D) were calculated using the Hanlon formula: D=[A+(2×B)]×C , where A is prevalence, B is seriousness, and C is the effectiveness of available interventions. A modified "EAARS" (Economic, Acceptability, Accessibility, Resources, and Simplicity) criterion was used to rank feasibility on a scale of 0-4 (4 is high). The product of these two scores determined the initial Domain ranking. Following the consensus process, further changes were made to the Domain rankings. Results: Despite a low feasibility score, Sexual Health was ranked as high priority; and, the Community Participation and Employment Domains were merged. The 11 final prioritized Domains in alphabetic order were: Cardiometabolic Health; Community Participation and Employment; Emotional Well-Being; Reaching, Grasping, and Manipulation; Self-Management; Sexual Health; Tissue Integrity; Urinary Tract Infection; Urohealth; Walking, and Wheeled Mobility. Conclusions: The modified Hanlon method was used to facilitate prioritization of 11 of 37 Domains to advance the quality of SCI-care by 2020. In future, the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Care High Performance Indicators (SCI-High) Project Team will develop structure, process and outcome indicators for each prioritized Domain.

Content comparison of the Spinal Cord Injury Model System Database to the ICF Generic Sets and Core Sets for spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Mapping of the National Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Database (NSCID) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

OBJECTIVES

To link the content of the latest two versions of the NSCID to the ICF; more specifically (1) to compare the content of the current NSCID 2016-2021 version to its predecessor (NSCID 2011-2016) using the ICF as a neutral reference framework, and (2) to compare the content contained in the NSCID 2016-2021 version with relevant ICF Sets.

SETTING

The forms of the NSCID 2016-2021 and 2011-2016 versions were linked to the ICF and contrasted. Comparability of the current version of the NSCID with the ICF Core Set for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in the post-acute and long-term context and the two generic ICF sets- ICF Generic-7 and ICF Generic-30 was then examined.

METHODS

ICF Linking Rules and descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The current NSCID 2016-2021 version covers functioning as classified in the ICF with 8 ICF categories more comprehensively than its predecessor does. More than 50% of ICF categories contained in the two ICF Generic Sets were covered. The coverage of the brief ICF Core Sets for SCI by the NSCID 2016-2021 was more than 50%, but the coverage of the comprehensive core sets was low. Results showed the best coverage in the ICF component Activities and Participation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes how the ICF and its Sets can serve as a reference framework to foster comparability of existing data sets from both clinical practice and research.

Assessment of pain symptoms and quality of life using the International Spinal Cord Injury Data Sets in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Introduction

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers complex changes that can negatively impact health and quality of life. The International SCI Data Sets were developed to enable more comparable data collection on the complex sequelae of SCI across studies. This should facilitate progress in mechanistic understanding and improving treatments of SCI.

Study design

Prospective observational pilot study.

Objectives

To collect data on pain symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in adults living with chronic SCI.

Setting

Academic medical center, New York, USA.

Methods

The International SCI Basic Pain and Qol Data Sets were used to collect data from participants with chronic SCI (N = 31) at 2 study visits held 6 months apart. The QoL Data Set was also used to collect data from able-bodied persons of similar age and gender distribution (N = 28).

Results

Most participants with SCI had multiple types and locations of pain problems at both study visits, despite reported being treated for pain. At both visits, the worst pain problem type was nociceptive, followed by neuropathic, which was typically rated of higher intensity. QoL scores were significantly lower across all domains of the data set in persons with SCI than able-bodied persons. Persons with pain tended to have lower QoL scores, although this trend was not significant.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the presence, complexity and stability of pain symptoms refractory to treatment and lower quality of life ratings in persons with chronic SCI.

Sponsorship

Grants from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, New York Empire Clinical Research Program, New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board.

Mobility in persons with lower extremity amputations and influencing factors: Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to quantify expert views

BACKGROUND:

International Classification of Function, Health and Disability provides a common framework and universal language for rehabilitation professionals across the globe.

OBJECTIVES:

To identify problems in functioning and mobility relevant to persons with lower-limb amputation from an expert's point of view and quantify these problems using the International Classification of Function, Health and Disability.

STUDY DESIGN:

Qualitative study using electronic and paper surveys.

METHODS:

Electronic or paper survey was done across six countries targeting clinicians involved in pre- and post-amputation care. Meaningful concepts were extracted from the responses and linked to suitable second-level and where applicable third-level International Classification of Function, Health and Disability categories. Categorical frequency analysis was completed for the combined data and for each location.

RESULTS:

A total of 183 experts from 6 different countries responded to the survey. A total of 2171 concepts were identified, 82% of which could be linked to a second-level International Classification of Function, Health and Disability category. The categorical frequency analysis revealed that the categories of walking, design and construction of buildings for public and private use and sensation of pain were the most frequently occurring concepts and was similar across the six countries.

CONCLUSION:

The International Classification of Function, Health and Disability can be utilised as a common framework for communication among clinicians involved in rehabilitation of persons with lower-limb amputation across the globe. The most important factors that were identified by experts in amputee rehabilitation working in different international locations were similar.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The challenges faced by the clinicians involved in care of persons with lower extremity amputation vary across different parts of the world. The overarching goal for the clinician irrespective of the location is to improve mobility and quality of life of their clients. The International Classification of Function, Health and Disability provides a common language between the various stakeholders in amputee rehabilitation across the globe.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries: A retrospective cohort study of children seen in Western Australia between 1996 and 2016

PURPOSE

To describe the medical complexity of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in paediatric patients in Western Australia (WA). Secondly, to determine if Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children (the tertiary paediatric centre in WA where all TSCI patients are managed) is meeting the requirements of the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC) paediatric rehabilitation minimum data set gathered on each patient.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients seen at PMH between 1996-2016. The AROC minimum dataset information data were gathered on each patient. Functional status and rehabilitation outcomes were assessed using Functional Independence Measure for Children (weeFIM), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Patient complexity was captured by documenting the specialty teams involved, the number of readmissions, and the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems Z codes.

RESULTS

Data from 19 patients (13 males, age range 6 months-15 years; 6 females, age range 4 years-13 years) were available. There were 10 cervical TSCIs with a median length of stay of 213 days and 9 thoracic TSCIs with a median length of stay of 49 days. Patients had between zero and six comorbidities prior to their TSCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with medical complexity are responsive to rehabilitation but have a high burden of care, requiring multiple-specialty care and hospital re-admissions. AROC has set a minimum data set recommendation for the collection and examination of patient data. PMH meets the AROC guidelines for patient data collection and descriptive analyses.

Representing and organizing information to describe the lived experience of health from a personal factors perspective in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): a discussion paper

PURPOSE

To discuss the representation and organization of information describing persons' lived experience of health from a personal factors perspective in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, using spinal cord injury as a case in point for disability.

METHODS

The scientific literature was reviewed, discussion rounds conducted, and qualitative secondary analyses of data carried out using an iterative inductive-deductive approach.

RESULTS

Conceptual considerations are explicated that distinguish the personal factors perspective from other components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. A representation structure is developed that organizes health-related concepts describing the internal context of functioning. Concepts are organized as individual facts, subjective experiences, and recurrent patterns of experience and behavior specifying 7 areas and 211 concept groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The article calls for further scientific debate on the perspective of personal factors in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. A structure that organizes concepts in relation to a personal factors perspective can enhance the comprehensiveness, transparency and standardization of health information, and contribute to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Implications for rehabilitation The present study collected data from scientific literature reviews, discussion rounds and qualitative secondary analyses in order to develop a representation and organization of information describing persons' lived experience of health from a personal factors perspective in the light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The following representation structure for health-related information from a personal factors perspective was developed: (i) Individuals facts (i.e., socio-demographical factors, position in the immediate social and physical context, personal history and biography), (ii) subjective experience (i.e., feelings, thoughts and beliefs, motives), and (iii) recurrent patterns of experience (i.e., feelings, thoughts and beliefs) and behavior. With this study, we aim to stimulate further scientific discussion about the personal factors component in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, including its application and subsequent validation for potential implementation into clinical practice.

Development and validation of Incontinence - Activity Participation Scale for spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to develop and validate an Incontinence - Activity Participation Scale (I-APS) for measurement of activity limitation and participation restriction due to bladder problems in spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The process of development was initiated by formation of open-ended questions after thorough review of literature which were then administered to SCI participants, caretakers, and professionals working with SCI. Items were generated based on their responses and initial draft of scale was formulated. This initial draft of the scale containing 77 items was then administered to 56 SCI participants for reduction of items using factor analysis, and a prefinal version of the scale was obtained containing thirty items only. Content validity and face validity was then established.

RESULTS

The I-APS is both health professional and self-administered questionnaire including two domains: Activities of daily living and occupation with 16 items having a content validity of 0.84. The overall internal consistency reliability was 0.86.

CONCLUSION

The I-APS is a valid, comprehensive instrument that measures the activity limitation and participation restrictions due to bladder problems in SCI.

Predictors of functional outcomes in adults with traumatic spinal cord injury following inpatient rehabilitation: A systematic review

CONTEXT

Despite functional improvements during rehabilitation, variable functional outcomes were reported when patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) return to society. Higher functioning individuals at discharge can experience a decrease in independent mobility (i.e. Motor Functional Independence Measure (mFIM) Score) by one-year follow-up. However, functional gains after discharge have also been reported and associated with recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To identify, categorize and rank predictors of mFIM score for patients with SCI following inpatient rehabilitation, both at the time of discharge and at one-year follow-up.

METHODS

Data sources included CINAHL, PubMed, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Medline for literature published from February 2000 to February 2015. Quality and risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment Instrument for Prognostic Factor Studies (QUIPS). Significant predictors of mFIM score were categorized using the domains of the International Classification of Function and Disability model ICF and ranked based on how frequently they were significant predictors of mFIM score.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven predictors of mFIM score spanning the ICF domains were identified among seven studies. At discharge, variables in the Body Structure and Function domain were the most consistent predictors of mFIM score. At one-year follow-up, variables in the Activity and Participation domain were the most consistent predictors of mFIM score. Contextual factors were the least frequent predictors at both discharge and one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This systematic-review assists clinicians setting realistic goals that maximize functional independence at the time of discharge and after reintegrating to society.

A Multidisciplinary Model to Guide Employment Outcomes Among People Living With Spinal Cord Injuries in South Africa: A Mixed Methods Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in complete or partial loss of functioning of the upper and/or lower limbs, leading to the affected individual experiencing difficulties in performing activities of daily living. This results in reduced participation in social, religious, recreational, and economic activities (employment). The South Africa legal framework promotes the employment and assistance of people with disabilities. However, rehabilitation interventions focus mainly on impairments and activity limitations, with few attempts to prepare those with SCI to return to gainful employment. There is therefore a need for a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary rehabilitation initiative that will promote the employment of people living with spinal cord injuries (PLWSCI) in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a multidisciplinary model to guide employment outcomes amongst PLWSCI in South Africa.

METHODS

This study will utilize explanatory mixed methods during 3 phases. The first phase will explore the current rehabilitation practices, and the second will establish the factors that influence employment outcomes among PLWSCI. A multidisciplinary team consisting of health care professionals, representatives from the departments of Labour, Education, Social Development, and Health, and nongovernment organizations representing PLWSCI will provide feedback for the model development of phase 3, along with results from the previous 2 phases, using a multistage Delphi technique.

RESULTS

It is estimated that the results of phases 1 and 2 will be completed 11 months after data collection commencement (November 2015). Phase 3 results will be finalized 4 months after phases 1 and 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing a multidisciplinary model to guide the employment outcomes of PLWSCI will ensure a coordinated response to integrate them into a productive life and will assist them to achieve economic self-sufficiency, personal growth, social integration, life satisfaction, and an improved quality of life. This can be achieved by active inclusion of PLWSCI to ensure that their concerns and recommendations are addressed.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02582619; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02582619 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6mBgcj6z7).

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.

Long-term effects of an intensive interventional training program based on activities for individuals with spinal cord injury: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the long-term effects of a rehabilitation program using activity-based therapies in daily activities and the participation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHOD

A descriptive study of case reports assessing the performance of daily activities and quality of life as a dependent variable, using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Seven individuals were included in the intervention composed of a multimodal intensive therapies program based on activities (activity-based therapy, ABT) conducted for 18 months.

RESULTS

It was possible to descriptively observe that the individual with the shortest time of injury and previous training obtained the largest variation in the FIM score. But no statistically significant difference was found in the assessments.

CONCLUSION

For trained individuals with chronic SCIs, classified "A" according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), an ABT program did not significantly affect the scores of the scales used to assess quality of life (SF-36) and functional independence (FIM).

Important wheelchair skills for new manual wheelchair users: health care professional and wheelchair user perspectives

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to identify wheelchair skills currently being taught to new manual wheelchair users, identify areas of importance for manual wheelchair skills' training during initial rehabilitation, identify similarities and differences between the perspectives of health care professionals and manual wheelchair users and use the ICF to organize themes related to rehabilitation and learning how to use a manual wheelchair.

METHOD

Focus groups were conducted with health care professionals and experienced manual wheelchair users. ICF codes were used to identify focus group themes.

RESULTS

The Activities and Participation codes were more frequently used than Structure, Function and Environment codes. Wheelchair skills identified as important for new manual wheelchair users included propulsion techniques, transfers in an out of the wheelchair, providing maintenance to the wheelchair and navigating barriers such as curbs, ramps and rough terrain. Health care professionals and manual wheelchair users identified the need to incorporate the environment (home and community) into the wheelchair training program.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying essential components for training the proper propulsion mechanics and wheelchair skills in new manual wheelchair users is an important step in preventing future health and participation restrictions. Implications for Rehabilitation Wheelchair skills are being addressed frequently during rehabilitation at the activity-dependent level. Propulsion techniques, transfers in an out of the wheelchair, providing maintenance to the wheelchair and navigating barriers such as curbs, ramps and rough terrain are important skills to address during wheelchair training. Environment factors (in the home and community) are important to incorporate into wheelchair training to maximize safe and multiple-environmental-setting uses of manual wheelchairs. The ICF has application to understanding manual wheelchair rehabilitation for wheelchair users and therapists for improving the understanding of manual wheelchair use.

Determining the most robust dimensional structure of categories from the international classification of functioning, disability and health across subgroups of persons with spinal cord injury to build the basis for future clinical measures

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most robust dimensional structure of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories relevant to spinal cord injury (SCI) across subgroups of lesion level, health care context, sex, age, and resources of the country.

DESIGN

A multidimensional between-item response Rasch model was used. The choice of the dimensions was conceptually driven using the ICF components from the functioning chapters and splits of the activity and participation component described in the ICF.

SETTING

Secondary analysis of data from an international, cross-sectional, multicentric study for the Development of ICF Core Sets for Spinal Cord Injury.

PARTICIPANTS

Persons with SCI (N=1048) from the early postacute and long-term living context from 14 middle/low- and high-resource countries.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Ratings of categories of the ICF relevant for SCI were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five models were tested on the complete sample and 5 subgroups. The overall reliability of all models and reliability within dimensions of the unidimensional and 2-dimensional models were good to excellent. The ICF categories spread well along the disability scale. The model fit improvement from the unidimensional to the 2-dimensional and from the 2-dimensional to the 3-dimensional model was significant in all groups (P<.0001). The improvement, however, from a unidimensional to a 2-dimensional structure was markedly better than from a 2-dimensional to a 3-dimensional one.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that a 2-dimensional structure separating body functions and body structures from the activity and participation categories should serve as a basis for developing clinical measures in SCI in the future.

Toward the development of the International Classification of Functioning Core Sets for children with cerebral palsy: a global expert survey

The goal of the International Classification of Functioning is to standardize the classification of health and function of children around the world. To facilitate the application of this classification, International Classification of Functioning-based tools like the "Core Sets" are being developed. We conducted an international survey of professional experts to identify the most relevant areas of functioning in children with cerebral palsy. The questionnaire covered each component of the classification. In total, 193 professionals completed the survey (response rate 78%). Overall, 9706 answers were linked to the classification (pediatric version) by 2 professionals. From the experts' perspective, movement-related areas and social participation are the most relevant areas of functioning. Experts suggest a more comprehensive profile of functioning in particular in areas of personal capacity and social participation. The results of this survey will inform the development of the International Classification of Functioning Core Sets for children with cerebral palsy.

Pain in spinal cord injury

SUMMARY An important and detrimental effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) is pain, which develops in approximately two-thirds of all SCI patients, while approximately half of SCI patients develop chronic neuropathic pain (NP). Thus far, there is no cure for SCI NP, and oral pharmacological intervention is often inadequate, commonly resulting in a pain reduction of only 20-30%. In this short review, we will present an overview of the important features of SCI pain including taxonomy, epidemiology and classification, as well as a suggested oral pharmacological treatment strategy for SCI NP and the current evidence available from randomized placebo-controlled trials. Considerations and evidence for the nonpharmacological treatment of SCI will be discussed briefly.

Comparing contents of outcome measures in cerebral palsy using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF-CY): a systematic review

The International Classification of Functioning children and youth version (ICF-CY) provides a universal framework for defining and classifying functioning and disability in children worldwide. To facilitate the application of the ICF in practice, ICF based-tools like the "ICF Core Sets" are being developed. In the context of the development of the ICF-CY Core Sets for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), the aims of this study were as follows: to identify and compare the content of outcome measures used in studies of children with CP using the ICF-CY coding system; and to describe the most frequently addressed areas of functioning in those studies. We searched multiple databases likely to capture studies involving children with CP from January 1998 to March 2012. We included all English language articles that studied children aged 2-18 years and described an interventional or observational study. Constructs of the outcome measures identified in studies were linked to the ICF-CY by two trained professionals. We found 231 articles that described 238 outcome measures. The outcome measures contained 2193 concepts that were linked to the ICF-CY and covered 161 independent ICF-CY categories. Out of the 161 categories, 53 (33.5%) were related to body functions, 75 (46%) were related to activities/participation, 26 (16.1%) were related to environmental factors, and 7 (4.3%) were related to body structures. This systematic review provides information about content of measures that may guide researchers and clinicians in their selection of an outcome measure for use in a study and/or clinical practice with children with CP.

Participation in physical activity in persons with spinal cord injury: a comprehensive perspective and insights into gender differences

BACKGROUND

To prevent secondary conditions and to improve and maintain health, regular physical activity is recommended as an important component of a health-promoting lifestyle for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, participation in physical activity is low in persons with SCI, especially in women.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to identify (1) categories of functioning, the environment and personal factors that influence participation in physical activity in persons with SCI and (2) gender differences within identified factors.

METHODS

An explorative qualitative study design using both focus groups and individual interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide was used. Statements were linked to categories or chapters of the four components of functioning (body structures, body functions, activities and participation) and of the environment included in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and a recently developed list of personal factors. An in-depth analysis of the statements was performed to identify relevant associations and gender differences.

RESULTS

Twenty-six persons (13 female, 13 male) participated in the study. Sixty-seven categories and four chapters from all components of functioning and environmental factors included in the ICF and 33 subdivisions of personal factors were found to be associated with physical activity in persons with SCI. Gender differences could be assigned to areas of gender roles, social support, athletic identity, interests, and general behavioral patterns.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of participation in physical activity in persons with SCI and presents a first step toward the identification of gender differences. The results should be validated by further quantitative research.

Aspects of functioning and environmental factors in medical work capacity evaluations of persons with chronic widespread pain and low back pain can be represented by a combination of applicable ICF Core Sets

Background

Medical work capacity evaluations play a key role in social security schemes because they usually form the basis for eligibility decisions regarding disability benefits. However, the evaluations are often poorly standardized and lack transparency as decisions on work capacity are based on a claimant’s disease rather than on his or her functional capacity. A comprehensive and consistent illustration of a claimant’s lived experience in relation to functioning, applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the ICF Core Sets (ICF-CS), potentially enhances transparency and standardization of work capacity evaluations. In our study we wanted to establish whether and how the relevant content of work capacity evaluations can be captured by ICF-CS, using disability claimants with chronic widespread pain (CWP) and low back pain (LBP) as examples.

Methods

Mixed methods study, involving a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of medical reports. The ICF was used for data coding. The coded categories were ranked according to the percentage of reports in which they were addressed. Relevance thresholds at 25% and 50% were applied. To determine the extent to which the categories above the thresholds are represented by applicable ICF-CS or combinations thereof, measures of the ICF-CS’ degree of coverage (i.e. content validity) and efficiency (i.e. practicability) were defined.

Results

Focusing on the 25% threshold and combining the Brief ICF-CS for CWP, LBP and depression for CWP reports, the coverage ratio reached 49% and the efficiency ratio 70%. Combining the Brief ICF-CS for LBP, CWP and obesity for LBP reports led to a coverage of 47% and an efficiency of 78%.

Conclusions

The relevant content of work capacity evaluations involving CWP and LBP can be represented by a combination of applicable ICF-CS. A suitable standard for documenting such evaluations could consist of the Brief ICF-CS for CWP, LBP, and depression or obesity, augmented by additional ICF categories relevant for this particular context. In addition, the unique individual experiences of claimants have to be considered in order to assess work capacity comprehensively.

Capturing the psychologic-personal perspective in spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of this study was to illustrate a systematic approach for capturing the psychologic-personal perspective in International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based comprehensive research on spinal cord injury (SCI) in terms of what and how to measure. The specific aims were to identify (1) relevant areas of research for capturing the psychologic-personal factors in a study that is planned and conceptualized according to the comprehensive context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, using SCI as a case in point; (2) a set of domains relevant for SCI research from a psychologic-personal perspective; and (3) suitable measurement instruments that can be considered for the assessment of those identified domains based on a set of predefined guiding principles.

DESIGN

The psychologic-personal factor structure was developed based on an item pool of 1246 entries from secondary analyses of available data from SCI studies. The domain set for psychologic-personal factors was identified through reviewing the scientific literature in PubMed and PsycInfo. The set of measurement instruments was collected using available measurement reviews, searches in the literature, instrument databases, and further sources and was selected using guiding principles.

RESULTS

Forty specific psychologic-personal factors, subdivided into seven areas of research, were identified: (1) sociodemographic personal characteristics, (2) the position in the immediate social and physical context, (3) personal history and biography, (4) feelings, (5) thoughts and beliefs, (6) motives, and (7) patterns of experience and behavior. The psychologic-personal factors domain set contains both cross-cutting outcome domains, namely quality-of-life, life satisfaction, subjective well-being, and sociodemographic personal characteristics, life events, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, locus of control, self-efficacy, purpose in life, coping, lifestyle, and personality. For each of the identified domains, a pool of measurement instruments was listed, and the application of predefined guiding principles for measurement instrument selection was exemplified for self-efficacy. It resulted in the selection of the General Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem (Measures in Health Psychology: A User's Portfolio. Causal and Control Beliefs. pp. 35-37; 1995).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current article contributed to creating a transparent protocol for the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort study, coordinated by the Swiss Paraplegic Research in Nottwil, Switzerland. This article also stresses the relevance of the comprehensive approach to SCI and the consideration of the psychologic-personal perspective in this approach. The study, therefore, hopes to encourage scientists to use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the psychologic-personal perspective as a frame of reference for their research. Furthermore, the research reported in this article can inform the World Health Organization's future development of the personal factors classification in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Design of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study

The overall goal of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI) is to gain a better understanding of how to support functioning, health maintenance, and quality-of-life of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) along the continuum of care, in the community, and along their life span. The purpose of this study was to present the SwiSCI study design. SwiSCI is composed of three complementary pathways and will include Swiss persons 16 yrs or older who have diagnoses of traumatic or nontraumatic SCI. Pathway 1 is a retrospective study of medical files of patients admitted to one of the collaborating SCI centers between 2005 and 2009. Pathway 2 is a nationwide survey of persons with chronic SCI. Pathway 3 is an inception cohort study including persons with newly acquired SCI. SwiSCI is conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Paraplegic Association and the major specialized rehabilitation centers in Switzerland. Measurement instruments that are to be used in Pathway 2 and 3 cover body structures and functions, activities, participation, life satisfaction, and personal and environmental factors. SwiSCI is a prospective cohort study that will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the lived experience of persons with SCI.

Listening to music and physiological and psychological functioning: the mediating role of emotion regulation and stress reactivity

Music listening has been suggested to have short-term beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the association and potential mediating mechanisms between various aspects of habitual music-listening behaviour and physiological and psychological functioning. An internet-based survey was conducted in university students, measuring habitual music-listening behaviour, emotion regulation, stress reactivity, as well as physiological and psychological functioning. A total of 1230 individuals (mean = 24.89 ± 5.34 years, 55.3% women) completed the questionnaire. Quantitative aspects of habitual music-listening behaviour, i.e. average duration of music listening and subjective relevance of music, were not associated with physiological and psychological functioning. In contrast, qualitative aspects, i.e. reasons for listening (especially 'reducing loneliness and aggression', and 'arousing or intensifying specific emotions') were significantly related to physiological and psychological functioning (all p = 0.001). These direct effects were mediated by distress-augmenting emotion regulation and individual stress reactivity. The habitual music-listening behaviour appears to be a multifaceted behaviour that is further influenced by dispositions that are usually not related to music listening. Consequently, habitual music-listening behaviour is not obviously linked to physiological and psychological functioning.

Application of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in individuals with spinal cord injury

After spinal cord injury is common functionality is affected. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functionality of patients with spinal cord injury. METHOD: Cross-sectional study by means of the International Classification of Functionality (ICF). 109 adults with spinal cord injury in the city of Curitiba, Brazil were evaluated. RESULTS: The categories most compromised in body were intestines and bladder, sexuality, energy, sleep, emotion and weight. In the domain activities and participation, there was greater difficulty in tasks of bathing, toilet and dressing, self care and leisure. In the domain environmental factors, the categories classified as facilitators were: medications, orthoses and wheelchair, attitude of family, transport, social foresight and health services. The categories classified as barriers were: attitude of authorities, social attitudes, education and work. CONCLUSION: The application of the ICF in persons with spinal cord injury demonstrated a series of disabilities and limitations.

ISCoS-WHO collaboration. International Perspectives of Spinal Cord Injury (IPSCI) report

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the projects, the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) has in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) for the benefit of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide.

SETTING

International

METHODS

Collaboration between ISCoS and WHO can be divided into (A) building capacity for better SCI education and prevention programs; (B) improving classification systems for use of data in SCI research, the International Classification of External Cause of Injury (ICECI), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); and (C) improving the evidence base for SCI through the report, International Perspectives on Spinal Cord Injury (IPSCI). The objectives of the IPSCI report are first to summarize information on SCI, in particular the science and epidemiology, the services, interventions and policies that are relevant and 'the lived experience' of persons with SCI across the full spectrum of life and throughout the world; second, to document all aspects of the science and experience of SCI to identify gaps between what exists and what is required; and third to make recommendations based on this evidence, with a clear perception of feasible goals and targets, that are consistent with the aspirations and goals of inclusion and full participation as expressed in the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. FUTURE COOPERATION: ISCoS and WHO will continue to join forces in areas where they can make the greatest difference, especially in prevention and educational issues worldwide.

Linking health and health-related information to the ICF: a systematic review of the literature from 2001 to 2008

INTRODUCTION

In 1976, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated worldwide disability prevalence at 10%; recent evidence suggests the prevalence is even higher. Given the extent of disability around the world, it is essential for researchers and policy makers to have a uniform language for describing and discussing disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is WHO's attempt to provide that standard language. Linking rules were published in 2002 and 2005 suggesting a method for standardising the process of connecting outcome measures to the ICF classification. The objective of this study is to study the extent to which the linking rules have been used by researchers to link health and health-related information to the ICF and collect the feedback about the current practices, applications and areas to improve the linking method.

METHOD

Using a systematic review of health-based literature between 2001 and February 2008, we (1) determined research areas where the linking method is applied, (2) examined the characteristics of studies that linked information to the ICF and (3) described current practices and issues related to the process of linking health and health-related information to the ICF both quantitatively and qualitatively.

RESULTS

The systematic review yielded 109 articles from 58 journals that linked health information to the ICF and 58 of the articles employed published linking rules. The majority of articles were descriptive in nature, used linking for connecting content of health instruments to the ICF and linked English health content. Quality controls such as reliability checks, multiple raters and iterative linking processes were found frequently among users of the linking rules. Qualitative analysis created themes about: preparing units of information, who links to the ICF, reliability, matching or translating concepts from text to ICF categories, information unable or difficult to capture, quantitative reporting standards and overall linking process.

DISCUSSION

This review also shows that the linking process is a useful way to apply the ICF classification in research. With over 100 articles published in 58 peer-reviewed journals across 50 focus areas, linking health and health-related information to the ICF has been shown to be a useful tool for describing, comparing and contrasting information from outcome measures used to collect quantitative data, qualitative research results and clinical patient reports across diagnoses, settings, languages and countries.

Functioning and disability in people living with spinal cord injury in high- and low-resourced countries: a comparative analysis of 14 countries

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) from countries with differential resources and resource distribution differ in the level and structure of functioning and disability.

METHODS

We analysed cross-sectional data of 1,048 persons with SCI from 14 countries based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). We used penalized logistic regression to identify ICF categories distinguishing lower- and higher-resourced countries. Hierarchical linear models were employed to predict the number of problems in functioning. The association structure of ICF categories was compared between higher- and lower-resourced countries using graphical models.

RESULTS

A total of 96 ICF categories separated lower- and higher-resourced countries. Differences were not univocal. Lower resources and unequal distribution were predictive of more functional problems in persons with higher age or tetraplegia. In the graphical models, few associations between ICF categories persisted across countries.

CONCLUSION

Higher-resourced countries do not score higher in all ICF categories. Countries' economic resources and their distribution are significant predictors of disability in vulnerable groups such as tetraplegics and the elderly. Functioning is multi-dimensional and structures of association suggest that country-specific pathways towards disability exist.

Developing a Core Set to describe functioning in vocational rehabilitation using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF)

INTRODUCTION

The consequences of accidents, injuries, and health conditions that prevent workers from engaging in employment are prevailing issues in the area of work disability. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs aim to facilitate return-to-work process but there is no universal description of functioning for patients who participate in VR. Our objective is to develop a Core Set for VR based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF). An ICF Core Set is a short list of ICF categories with alphanumeric codes relevant to a health condition or a health-related event.

METHODS

Development process consists of three phases. First is the preparatory phase which consists of four parallel studies: (1) systematic review of the literature, (2) worldwide survey of experts, (3) cross-sectional study, and (4) focus group interview. Patients with various health conditions are to be recruited from five VR centers located in Switzerland and Germany. The second phase is a consensus conference where findings from the preparatory phase will be presented followed by a multi-stage consensus process to determine the ICF categories that will comprise the Core Set for VR. The final phase consists of validation studies in several health conditions and settings.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect the first version of the ICF Core Set for VR to be completed in 2010. The Core Set can serve as a guide in the evaluation of patients and in planning appropriate intervention within VR programs. This Core Set could also provide a standard and common language among clinicians, researchers, insurers, and policymakers in the implementation of successful VR.

Systematic literature review on ICF from 2001 to 2009: its use, implementation and operationalisation

PURPOSE

To present a systematic literature review on the state of the art of the utilisation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) since its release in 2001.

METHOD

The search was conducted through EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsychInfo covering the period between 2001 and December 2009. Papers were included if ICF was mentioned in title or abstract. Papers focussing on the ICF-CY and clinical research on children and youth only were excluded. Papers were assigned to six different groups covering the wide scenario of ICF application.

RESULTS

A total of 672 papers, coming from 34 countries and 211 different journals, were included in the analysis. The majority of publications (30.8%) were conceptual papers or papers reporting clinical and rehabilitation studies (25.9%). One-third of the papers were published in 2008 and 2009.

CONCLUSIONS

The ICF contributed to the development of research on functioning and on disability in clinical, rehabilitation as well as in several other contexts, such as disability eligibility and employment. Diffusion of ICF research and use in a great variety of fields and scientific journals is a proof that a cultural change and a new conceptualisation of functioning and disability is happening.

Differences in functioning of individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and quantify the differences in functioning of individuals with tetraplegia versus paraplegia using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a frame of reference.

SETTING

International.

METHODS

Functional problems of 1048 participants with spinal cord injury in 16 study centers in 14 countries were recorded using ICF categories. The level of significance and odds ratios (OR) for experiencing each of these functional problems were reported for individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia. Regression models were adjusted for age, age squared, early post-acute or long-term context, gender and for world regions.

RESULTS

Persons with tetraplegia are more at risk than persons with paraplegia to have difficulties in 36.4% categories of the component body functions. In the component body structures, 40% of the categories show significant differences. Individuals with tetraplegia indicate problems in three categories, whereas individuals with paraplegia are more likely to indicate problems in one category. Most categories indicating difficulties (56.6%) for persons with tetraplegia were found for the component activities and participation. The component with the highest congruency was the environmental factors. Overall, 3.7% categories (of the persons with tetraplegia as experienced, 2.4% of the categories as barriers, whereas 4.9% were experienced to be facilitators) obtained OR, indicating individuals with tetraplegia having more difficulties.

CONCLUSION

The logistic regression analysis identified a variety of differences in functional problems in individuals with tetraplegia compared with individuals with paraplegia. The ICF has the potential to indicate the differences in health conditions.

Are existing outcome instruments suitable for assessment of spinal trauma patients?

Object

Valid outcome assessment tools specific for spinal trauma patients are necessary to establish the efficacy of different treatment options. So far, no validated specific outcome measures are available for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of outcome measurement in spinal trauma patients and to address the question of whether this group is adequately served by current disease-specific and generic health-related quality-of-life instruments.

Methods

A number of widely used outcome measures deemed most appropriate were reviewed, and their applicability to spinal trauma outcome discussed. An overview of recent movements in the theoretical foundations of outcome assessment, as it pertains to spinal trauma patients has been attempted, along with a discussion of domains important for spinal trauma.

Commonly used outcome measures that are recommended for use in trauma patients were reviewed from the perspective of spinal trauma. The authors further sought to select a number of spine trauma–relevant domains from the WHO's comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a benchmark for assessing the content coverage of the commonly used outcome measurements reviewed.

Results

The study showed that there are no psychometrically validated outcome measurements for the spinal trauma population and there are no commonly used outcome measures that provide adequate content coverage for spinal trauma domains.

Conclusions

Spinal trauma patients are currently followed either as a subset of the polytrauma population in the acute and early postacute setting or as a subset of neurological injury in the long-term revalidation medicine setting.

Cross-cultural validity of four quality of life scales in persons with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

Quality of life (QoL) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) has been found to differ across countries. However, comparability of measurement results between countries depends on the cross-cultural validity of the applied instruments. The study examined the metric quality and cross-cultural validity of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LISAT-9), the Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) and the 5-item World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQoL-5) across six countries in a sample of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

A cross-sectional multi-centre study was conducted and the data of 243 out-patients with SCI from study centers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, South Africa, and the United States were analyzed using Rasch-based methods.

RESULTS

The analyses showed high reliability for all 4 instruments (person reliability index .78-.92). Unidimensionality of measurement was supported for the WHOQoL-5 (Chi2 = 16.43, df = 10, p = .088), partially supported for the PWI (Chi2 = 15.62, df = 16, p = .480), but rejected for the LISAT-9 (Chi2 = 50.60, df = 18, p = .000) and the SWLS (Chi2 = 78.54, df = 10, p = .000) based on overall and item-wise Chi2 tests, principal components analyses and independent t-tests. The response scales showed the expected ordering for the WHOQoL-5 and the PWI, but not for the other two instruments. Using differential item functioning (DIF) analyses potential cross-country bias was found in two items of the SWLS and the WHOQoL-5, three items of the LISAT-9 and four items of the PWI. However, applying Rasch-based statistical methods, especially subtest analyses, it was possible to identify optimal strategies to enhance the metric properties and the cross-country equivalence of the instruments post-hoc. Following the post-hoc procedures the WHOQOL-5 and the PWI worked in a consistent and expected way in all countries.

CONCLUSIONS

QoL assessment using the summary scores of the WHOQOL-5 and the PWI appeared cross-culturally valid in persons with SCI. In contrast, summary scores of the LISAT-9 and the SWLS have to be interpreted with caution. The findings of the current study can be especially helpful to select instruments for international research projects in SCI.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Disabilities: A Review

La lesión medular es una entidad neurológica causante de importantes procesos de discapacidad. Su incidencia en el país puede estar cercana a los mayores estimativos mundiales debido a las condiciones actuales de violencia. El aumento de la expectativa de vida de esta población —gracias a los avances tecnológicos y científicos en prevención, atención y manejo de complicaciones— lleva a la necesidad de proveer servicios de rehabilitación integrales que trasciendan los aspectos funcionales y permitan la inclusión social. Para este propósito es necesario un abordaje integral de la situación, que en el ámbito de la evaluación debe incluir no sólo la estimación de la condición de salud, sino todo lo relacionado con el funcionamiento de las personas en su vida diaria. La clasificación internacional del funcionamiento, la discapacidad y la salud, brinda un marco conceptual para abordar la discapacidad y el funcionamiento humano relacionado con la salud desde un enfoque biopsicosocial que articula las dimensiones corporal, individual y social de las personas y su relación con los factores del ambiente. Este enfoque de abordaje, plasmado en el instrumento de evaluación denominado WHO-DAS II, se considera un referente importante para evaluar la discapacidad asociada a la lesión medular.

Creating an interface between the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and physical therapist practice

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has endorsed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework to be integrated into physical therapist practice. The ICF is a universal and inclusive platform for the understanding of health and disability and a comprehensive classification system for describing functioning. The APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice was designed to guide patient management, given the different settings and health conditions that physical therapists encounter in their daily clinical practice. However, physical therapists may be unclear as to how to concretely apply the ICF in their clinical practice and to translate the application in a way that is meaningful to them and to their patients. This perspective article proposes ways to integrate the ICF and the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice to facilitate clinical documentation by physical therapists.