A web-based computer program to determine the ASIA impairment classification.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an interactive computer program that facilitates uniformity and accuracy in the collection and assessment of spinal cord-impairment data.


METHODS
A computer program that captures and processes clinical examination information in graphical form using the 2002 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) guidelines. This program calculates motor and sensory level, neurological level, the ASIA impairment scale (AIS) grade and zone of partial preservation.


METHODS
The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) were encoded and a graphic representation of the standard ASIA data-capturing form (with permission) was produced using Adobe Flash programming technology by the Division of Multimedia at the University of Saskatchewan.


RESULTS
Testing by the development team has been successful in producing accurate ASIA-impairment data.


CONCLUSIONS
Adapting the ISNCSCI system to a computer-generated format is possible and will promote uniformity in the collection and interpretation of impairment data. This program can also be used to educate health-care personnel, including residents and medical students, on classifying the impairment in traumatic spinal cord injury.
Linassi
G
G
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7K 0M7. gary.linassi@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Li Pi Shan
R
R
Marino
R J
RJ
D000465:Algorithms; D002170:Canada; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000193:education; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012984:Software; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000145:classification*