Outcome measures in brain injury rehabilitation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

Brain injury rehabilitation services require competent measures of outcome to monitor the progress made by individuals in their care. The FIM + FAM is the measure most widely used for this purpose. However, research suggests that this measure contains a number of limitations and does not adequately assess the activity limitations and participation restrictions experienced by individuals who have suffered brain injuries. The current study examined five outcome measures (BICRO-39, MPAI-4, R-CHART, CIQ, and DRS) for their suitability as possible replacement measures at Cavit ABI in Wellington and Auckland. Ten participants with brain injuries (eight males, two females; seven with TBI, three with injuries due to stroke) were administered six different outcome measures by therapists at Cavit ABI centres in Wellington and Auckland on admission and again at six weeks into the rehabilitation programme. Outcome measures were examined in relation to a set of specified criteria, and feedback regarding the performance of each outcome measure was collected from each therapist using a staff questionnaire. The results of the study show that there does not seem to be one adequate outcome measure currently available for use within post-acute brain injury rehabilitation settings Although the FIM + FAM was found to contain a number of strengths particularly in assessing physical independence, the MPAI-4 was found to be more useful in identifying goals related to activity limitations and participation restrictions, which was the key area of focus.