MINDFIM: a measure of disability in high-functioning traumatic brain injury outpatients

Primary objective: The study aimed at the developing a new valid measure of disability in TBI outpatients. Research design and 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). Experimental interventions: 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 > 1 week). Fifty of them (31%) had returned to school or job. Main outcomes and results: A new scale called MINDFIM could be successfully developed. It includes 3 cognitive and 4 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.