Measuring participation across impairment groups using the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy, across a range of disability groups, of the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), a measure of societal participation.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis survey methodology. A total of 1110 community-based, nonhospitalized Coloradans with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, burn, or amputation were interviewed twice, 2 wks apart, using the CHART and a single administration of the FIM.


RESULTS
Across all impairment groups, the intraclass correlation for the total score and the subscales of CHART-R were high. In addition, the CHART-R discriminated among the impairment categories in a direction that parallels increasing disability.


CONCLUSIONS
CHART may be an appropriate measure of handicap for a range of physical or cognitive impairments.
Walker
Nancy
N
Craig Hospital Research Department, Englewood, Colorado 80110, USA.
Mellick
David
D
Brooks
C A
CA
Whiteneck
Gale G
GG
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*