Sound Psychometric Properties of the Swedish Version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2839 · Published: May 5, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

After a spinal cord injury, achieving a high level of physical independence is a primary goal of rehabilitation. This study focused on translating and validating a Swedish version of a tool called the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR). The translation process involved experts and consumers, resulting in minor adjustments for cultural relevance. The s-SCIM-SR was then distributed online to 90 individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries to assess its measurement properties. The study found that the s-SCIM-SR performed well, similar to the original version, in terms of data completeness and agreement between evaluations. Therefore, the s-SCIM-SR is considered a reliable tool for evaluating physical independence in Swedish community settings.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

90 persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Swedish version of the SCIM-SR (s-SCIM-SR) demonstrated good data completeness, with most participants providing complete responses.
2
The s-SCIM-SR showed high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, indicating that it provides consistent and accurate results.
3
The study identified some issues with the Respiration and sphincter management subscale, suggesting potential areas for improvement in the s-SCIM-SR.

Research Summary

This study translated and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR) in a community rehabilitation setting. The translation process involved expert competence, including consumers, and resulted in minor cultural adaptations. The s-SCIM-SR was distributed online to 90 persons with chronic spinal cord injury. The study concluded that the s-SCIM-SR is psychometrically sound and suitable for assessing physical independence among persons with spinal cord injury in Swedish community settings, despite some issues in the Respiration and sphincter management subscale.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The s-SCIM-SR can be used by clinicians in Swedish community settings to assess the physical independence of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Research

The validated s-SCIM-SR provides a reliable tool for researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving physical independence in this population.

Policy

The availability of a culturally adapted and validated assessment tool can inform policy decisions related to rehabilitation services for individuals with spinal cord injuries in Sweden.

Study Limitations

1
The study participants may be more motivated towards rehabilitation than the general SCI population, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study excluded individuals with the most severe SCI (e.g., those using ventilators), which may limit the applicability of the s-SCIM-SR to this subgroup.
3
There were some missing data in the Respiration, and Bladder and bowel management items, potentially affecting the accuracy of the subscale scores.

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