The Overlooked Outcome Measure for Spinal Cord Injury: Use of Assistive Devices

Frontiers in Neurology, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00272 · Published: March 22, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how frequently validated assessment scales are used in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. It uses outcome measures suggested in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) project. The study also explores the medical community's interest in alternative measures for SCI rehabilitation. The goal is to understand how specialists measure outcomes and whether assessments focus on relevant factors for patients. A shared understanding of clinical outcome measures and practices would improve communication and support education. It would also help with planning and implementing treatment for SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

134 respondents (49 ± 10.9 years)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The most commonly used objective outcome measures were the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, the MAS, the SCIM and FIM.
2
A significant finding was that assistive technology is not currently studied by rehabilitation specialists as an outcome measure.
3
For pain assessment, many respondents used the visual analog scale (VAS) or the numeric rating scale (NRS) instead of, or in addition to, other measures.

Research Summary

The study aimed to evaluate the frequency of validated assessment scales in SCI rehabilitation using SCIRE project outcome measures. The results indicated a consensus among professionals to assess SCI with SCIRE outcome measures for motor and sensory impairment, but some identified areas are under-evaluated. A key finding was the underutilization of assistive device assessment as an outcome measure by rehabilitation specialists.

Practical Implications

Improve Assistive Technology Evaluation

Emphasizes the need for a more thorough knowledge and use of outcome scales, thus improving the quality of assistive device evaluation.

Enhance Interdisciplinary Communication

Shared knowledge of clinical outcome measures would improve interdisciplinary communication and support clinical education, facilitating SCI treatment.

Standardize Outcome Measurements

A shared knowledge of the clinical outcome measures and implemented practices would facilitate the planning and implementation of treatment for SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Low number of participants could limit the generalizability of our results.
2
It is also difficult to say whether the respondents had comprehensive knowledge of all the areas surveyed.
3
Future studies addressing multiple confounding factors are necessary to establish which factors improve the outcomes of SCI patients.

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