Applicability of the AO Spine Patient Reported Outcome Spine Trauma (PROST) in people with motor-complete spinal cord injury: a cognitive interview study

Spinal Cord, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-022-00829-3 · Published: July 7, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Patient Experience Trauma

Simple Explanation

This study examines if a questionnaire called the AO Spine PROST is useful for people with complete spinal cord injuries. The questionnaire helps measure how well people are functioning after a spine trauma. Researchers interviewed 29 adults with complete spinal cord injuries to see if the questions were easy to understand, relevant, and complete. They wanted to know if any changes were needed to make the questionnaire better. The results showed that the questionnaire is generally applicable, but some improvements are needed. Suggestions include clarifying instructions, updating terminology, and providing more relevant examples in the questionnaire.

Study Duration

June 2020 to May 2021

Participants

29 adults with motor-complete SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants generally found the AO Spine PROST to be comprehensive, not offensive, relevant, and largely complete.
2
Some participants suggested adding examples to clarify the concept of sexual function, such as fertility, orgasm, or cuddling.
3
The use of assistive devices and how they should be considered in the score was a recurring topic.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the applicability of the AO Spine PROST for individuals with motor-complete SCI through cognitive interviews. The goal was to identify potential adjustments to enhance the tool's comprehensibility, relevance, and completeness. The findings indicated that participants generally agreed with the evaluation questions concerning comprehensiveness, non-offensiveness, relevance, and completeness of the AO Spine PROST. Recommendations were made for improving instructions, terminology, and examples used in the AO Spine PROST to better suit individuals with motor-complete SCI and non-traumatic SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved PROST Tool

Refining the AO Spine PROST based on the study's recommendations can result in a more accurate and relevant tool for assessing outcomes in individuals with motor-complete SCI.

Clinical Practice

The adjusted AO Spine PROST can be used in clinical practice to better understand the functional status and quality of life of patients with spinal cord injuries.

Future Research

The study highlights the need for further validation of the AO Spine PROST after adjustments, as well as cross-cultural validation to ensure its applicability in diverse populations.

Study Limitations

1
The study group consisted of a relatively small group of persons with a non-traumatic SCI.
2
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most interviews were conducted online.
3
Also participants with cauda lesions were included.

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