Test-retest reliability of traumatic brain injury outcome measures: A traumatic brain injury model systems study

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76515

Journal:

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2017 , 32, 5, E1-E16

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study evaluated the test-retest reliability of measures that comprise the follow-up interview of the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) study. Follow-up interviews are typically conducted with the participant or proxy by phone at 1, 2, and 5 years postinjury and every 5 years thereafter. Participants were 224 persons with a moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) enrolled in the TBIMS National Database. Following standard administration of the follow-up interview, a second interview was administered 14 to 28 days later using the same interviewer and the same mode of administration. Reliability was examined for all 66 variables included in the follow-up interview, including: (1) single-item measures of demographics; employment; general health as well as specific health conditions; rehospitalization; tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; transportation; and mental health; and (2) multi-item instruments: Functional Independence Measure, Participation Assessment With Recombined Tools-Objective; Disability Rating Scale; Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended; Supervision Rating Scale; Satisfaction With Life Scale; TBI Quality of Life Anxiety and Depression items; and The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.65 to 0.99, weighted kappa values ranged from 0.54 to 0.99, and kappa values ranged from 0.43 to 1.00. Four kappa/weighted kappa estimates fell below 0.60: arrested, psychiatric hospitalization, number of days not in good physical health, and rating of general emotional health. With few exceptions, good to excellent test-retest reliability estimates were obtained. The findings support the use of these measures in prior and future studies and indicate that individuals with moderate-severe TBI can provide reliable self-report.

Author(s):

Bogner, Jennifer A., Whiteneck, Gale G., MacDonald, Jessica, Juengst, Shannon B., Brown, Allen W., Philippus, Angela M., Marwitz, Jennifer H., Lengenfelder, Jeannie, Mellick, Dave, Arenth, Patricia, Corrigan, John D.