Measuring the interference of pain on daily life in persons with spinal cord injury: A Rasch-validated subset of items from the Brief Pain Inventory interference scale

Aust Occup Ther J, 2018 · DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12493 · Published: October 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on chronic pain experienced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and how it affects their daily activities and emotions. The researchers used a questionnaire called the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to measure pain interference in people with SCI. The goal was to see if the BPI is a reliable tool for occupational therapists to monitor and address pain interference in this population.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

876 adults with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Four of the original seven BPI interference items provide acceptable measurements of pain interference in the SCI population.
2
The item 'pain interferes with sleep' demonstrated significant misfit to the Rasch model.
3
The BPI interference items separated persons with SCI into three strata: those with high, medium, and low pain interference.

Research Summary

The study examined the measurement properties of the BPI interference scale for measuring pain interference in persons with SCI. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the dimensionality of the BPI interference scale, appropriateness of the 11-point rating scale, reliability indicators as well as item and person fit to the Rasch model. The findings suggest that a subset of four BPI interference items yield valid and reliable estimates of pain interference in persons with SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

Occupational therapists can use the subset of BPI interference items to measure pain interference in patients with SCI.

Intervention Planning

The results of this assessment can help occupational therapists and interdisciplinary teams develop patient care plans.

Treatment Approaches

Occupational therapy interventions may include exercise programs, modification of mobility aids, Lifestyle Redesign, and self-management techniques.

Study Limitations

1
The BPI was not originally designed to adhere to the Rasch measurement model.
2
The study population included a larger proportion of ambulatory individuals compared to traditional specialty hospitals.
3
A modified version of the BPI interference scale has been developed for persons with SCI.

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