MINDFIM: a measure of disability in high-functioning traumatic brain injury outpatients.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed at developing a new valid measure of disability in TBI outpatients.


METHODS
The Rasch model (Winsteps 3.45 software, 2005) was adopted to achieve a linear measure, unidimensional and reliable. The predictive capacity with respect to return to school or job was also tested (logistic regression, STATA 8.0 software, 2004).


METHODS
Either tests of Attention, Memory and Verbal Fluency or the FIM were administered to 160 TBI ambulatory outpatients (52 women, age 14-72, 2-117 months after trauma, 111 cases with coma > or = 1 week). Fifty of them (31%) had returned to school or job.


RESULTS
A new scale called MINDFIM could be successfully developed. It includes three cognitive and four FIM motor items (Grooming, Upper Body Dressing, Bathing and Tub/Shower Transfer). The scale raises the ceiling affecting existing instruments. The summated scores are predictive of return to community (74% correct classification).


CONCLUSIONS
MINDFIM is valid and useful measure of disability in TBI outpatients.
Cantagallo
Anna
A
Department of Rehabilitation, Hospital and University of Ferrara, Unit of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Italy.
Carli
Silvia
S
Simone
Anna
A
Tesio
Luigi
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires