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Abstract
PURPOSE To explore sexuality after spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspectives of individuals with SCI and their romantic partners. METHODS A sample of 8 Canadian adults with SCI (6 men, 2 women) and their partners participated in this study (N = 16). Semi-structured dyadic and individual interviews were conducted, discussions surrounding sexuality and intimacy were extracted, and a qualitative description of the interview data was performed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three major themes were identified: the changing definition of sex; emotions; and practical support. Couples' conversations around the changing definition of sex after SCI addressed the taboo topic of sexuality and the importance of communication between couples, peers, and healthcare providers. Emotions included fears of losing intimacy, embarrassment in managing bladder and bowel interference, and acceptance in balancing being a romantic partner and a caregiver. Finally, couples reported challenges accessing practical support including medical interventions and sexual health nurses, but saw value in peer mentorship programs. CONCLUSION Couples explored a changing definition of sex following SCI that was complicated by the taboo nature of discussing sexuality, experienced a range of emotions throughout the recovery process, and had difficulties navigating the healthcare system for appropriate support.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealthcare professionals should promote discussion and provide support for sexuality following SCI, but during initial rehabilitation may be too early.Healthcare providers should prepare people with SCI and their partners for the inevitable trial-and-error process involved in sexual rehabilitation.Rehabilitation professionals could direct couples to SCI peer mentorship programs to help normalize the experiences and emotions of sexual rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake B Osborne
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith A Rocchi
- Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Rhyann McKay
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Heather L Gainforth
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Randy Upper
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane N Sweet
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Han A, Wilroy JD, Jenkins J, Yuen HK. Effects of a coach-guided videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy intervention combined with psychoeducation on distressed individuals living with spinal cord injury: a preliminary mixed-methods study. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:644-654. [PMID: 35156500 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2038283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined effects of coach-guided videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) accompanied by psychoeducation on distressed individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and explored participants' experiences in the intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten people with SCI participated in 8 individual videoconferencing sessions delivered by trained coaches. Data using self-reported questionnaires and individual interviews was collected at pretest and posttest and analyzing using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and interpretative phenomenological analysis (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04670406). RESULTS Statistically significant improvements were found in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, engagement in meaningful activities, and self-compassion with medium to large effect sizes. There was no significant change in quality of life, resilience, and ACT processes. Participants gained a new way of thinking by: being aware of thoughts and emotions; exploring perceptions of others; and focusing on the present. Also, the intervention equipped participants to deal with challenges by: improving coping with SCI-related conditions; practicing self-compassion, acceptance, and meditation; and acquiring skills of value-based decision making and committed action. CONCLUSIONS Findings contribute to the limited evidence as the first study that measured effects of videoconferencing ACT on people with SCI. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to measure efficacy of internet-delivered ACT for people with SCI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONGuided videoconferencing ACT may reduce depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and grief and increase engagement in meaningful activities and self-compassion in people with SCI.Professionals may consider ACT as a supportive or adjunct service for people with SCI who experience psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areum Han
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jereme D Wilroy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeremy Jenkins
- Telehealth Private Practice: jeremyjenkins.icouch.me, Edmond, OK, USA
| | - Hon K Yuen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Brouwers EMJR, Terwee CB, Roorda LD, Hosman AF, van de Meent H, Bartels RHMA. Dutch-Flemish translation and cross-cultural adaption of the Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) short forms. Eur Spine J 2022; 31:1349-57. [PMID: 35376985 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a large impact on a person's physical, psychological, and social health. Previous studies focused on physical recovery in patients with SCI and assessed their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with general questionnaires, which often contain irrelevant questions. The SCI-QOL questionnaire was developed to specifically assess the HRQOL of the SCI population. A comprehensive translation and cross-cultural adaptation are required to use this questionnaire in the Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium. METHODS All 23 short forms of the SCI-QOL for adults were translated from English into Dutch-Flemish using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation methodology, with a cognitive debriefing being performed with 10 patients with SCI and 10 persons from the general population. RESULTS The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS group previously translated 46 of the 207 items in the 23 short forms. Here, we achieved an acceptable translation of the other 161 items. A single Dutch-Flemish translation was obtained for 20 short forms, while separate Dutch and Flemish translations were necessary for the short forms Ambulation, Manual Wheelchair, and Stigma. CONCLUSION The Dutch-Flemish translation of the SCI-QOL is now available for clinical and research purposes. Future studies should focus on the psychometric properties of this cross-culturally adapted version.
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Schultz KR, Mona LR, Cameron RP. Mental Health and Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Considerations for Rehabilitation Providers. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 2022; 10:131-139. [PMID: 35502271 PMCID: PMC9046713 DOI: 10.1007/s40141-022-00349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Assessing and addressing the mental and behavioral health concerns of individuals with SCI during rehabilitation is crucial, as untreated mental health distress can lead to reduced gains in rehabilitation and poor overall health. This review provides an overview of the latest research on prevalence rates of common mental and behavioral health concerns in the SCI population, highlighting disability-specific factors that may impact traditional assessment and treatment of mental health concerns. Recent Findings While those with SCI are at a heightened risk for experiencing mental health distress, overall, the majority of those with SCI adapt well, and live a full and meaningful life. Summary Rehabilitation psychologists are a vital aspect of rehabilitation teams, as they can address behavioral health and mental health concerns that may impede patients achieving their rehabilitation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katlin R Schultz
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System, SCI/D Service (07/128) 5901 E 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 USA
| | - Linda R Mona
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System, SCI/D Service (07/128) 5901 E 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 USA
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Tulsky DS, Kisala PA. Overview of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index (SCI-FI): Structure and Recent Advances. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:185-190. [PMID: 34756875 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Spinal Cord Injury - Functional Index is a system of patient reported outcomes (PRO) measures of functional activities developed specifically with and for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The SCI-FI was designed to overcome limitations in measurement of the full range of activities and breadth of content of physical functioning commonly used in SCI research. Generic measurement tools of physical function (i.e., those focused on the general population) tend to overemphasize mobility and do not contain enough items at the lower end of the functional range (e.g., appropriate for individuals with tetraplegia). The SCI-FI consists of nine item response theory (IRT)-calibrated item banks that represent relevant and meaningful item content for individuals with SCI, span a wide range of functional abilities, and subdivide physical functioning into important subdomains, including basic mobility, self-care, and fine motor function. Since the original publication of the SCI-FI in 2012, there have been significant advances in and publications on the reliability and psychometric properties of the measures. The manuscripts presented in this special section clarify the SCI-FI structure and present new research on the SCI-FI measurement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Tulsky
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation (CHART), University of Delaware, Newark, DE; Departments of Physical Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
| | - Pamela A Kisala
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation (CHART), University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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Finlay KA, Hearn JH, Chater A. Grieving a disrupted biography: an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring barriers to the use of mindfulness after neurological injury or impairment. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:124. [PMID: 34429164 PMCID: PMC8386048 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00628-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness has demonstrated strong utility for enhancing self-management and health outcomes in chronic illness. However, sensation-focused mindfulness techniques may not be appropriate for clinical populations with neurological injury. This study aimed to identify how expert mindfulness teachers with sensory loss/impairment naturalistically adapt and experience mindfulness. We aimed to highlight the rationale for and barriers to mindfulness practice when living with sensory loss. METHODS A qualitative, semi-structured interview design was used, analysed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Eight (5 females, 3 males) mindfulness teachers with neurological injury were recruited via a national registry of Mindfulness for Health teachers. Interviews (range: 50-93 min) were completed, transcribed verbatim and analysed idiographically for descriptive, linguistic and conceptual themes, before a cross-case analysis was completed. RESULTS Two superordinate themes were identified: (1) Overcoming a disrupted biography; and (2) Proactive self-management. These themes considered the challenge of reconciling, through grief, a past health status with the present reality of living with sensory loss due to Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis or Functional Neurological Disorder. Mindfulness was experienced as a method by which proactive choices could be made to maintain control and autonomy in health, reducing perceptions of suffering, psychological distress, cognitive reactivity and rumination. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness was found to support the self-management of health after neurological injury/impairment. Mindfulness meditation presented an initial challenge as trauma and grief processes were (re-)activated during mindfulness sessions. However, mindfulness was found to support the resolution of these grief processes and encourage adaptive approach-based coping and acceptance of health and neurological impairment/injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Finlay
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berks, RG6 7BE UK
| | - J. H. Hearn
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX UK
| | - A. Chater
- Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue
, Bedford, MK41 9EA UK
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Mehta S, Hadjistavropoulos H, Nugent M, Karin E, Titov N, Dear BF. Guided internet-delivered cognitive-behaviour therapy for persons with spinal cord injury: a feasibility trial. Spinal Cord 2020; 58:544-552. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine variables associated with satisfaction with life (SWL) in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Cross-sectional, national survey to assess SWL, demographic and injury characteristics, health care utilization, chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes, heart problems, lung problems, hypertension, high cholesterol), symptoms (poor sleep, pain, depression), social support, grief/loss, and independence. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling Veterans with SCI. Outcome Measures/Analyses: Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess differences in demographics, injury characteristics, chronic conditions, symptoms, social support, grief/loss, and independence in individuals who reported low SWL (≤20) vs. average/high SWL (21-35). Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors independently associated with low SWL. RESULTS 896 Veterans with SCI (62%) responded. Average age was 62 years, the majority were male (94%), Caucasian (77%), and had paraplegia (61%). Odds of low SWL were 2.4 times greater for individuals experiencing pain (OR = 2.43, CI95: 1.47-4.02, P = 0.0005). Odds of low SWL were increased for individuals reporting greater grief/loss due to their SCI (OR = 1.14, CI95: 1.10-1.18, P < 0.0001). Lesser odds of low SWL were seen for individuals reporting greater emotional social support (OR = 0.97, CI95: 0.96-0.99, P < 0.0001) and independence (OR = 0.94, CI95: 0.90-0.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Pain and feelings of grief/loss due to injury were associated with low SWL. Self-perceived independence and good social support were associated with better SWL. Along with addressing pain and facilitating independence and social support, these findings suggest that interventions to improve SWL should focus on helping individuals deal with grief/loss due to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri L. LaVela
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH), Health Services Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Correspondence to: Sherri L. LaVela, PhD, MPH, MBA, Department of Veterans Affairs, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital (151-H, Building 1, Office D-312), 5th Avenue & Roosevelt Road, Hines, IL60141, USA; Ph: (708) 202-5895, (708) 202-2499.
| | - Bella Etingen
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH), Health Services Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Scott Miskevics
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH), Health Services Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
| | - Allen W. Heinemann
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Cohen ML, Kisala PA, Dyson-Hudson TA, Tulsky DS. Measuring pain phenomena after spinal cord injury: Development and psychometric properties of the SCI-QOL Pain Interference and Pain Behavior assessment tools. J Spinal Cord Med 2018; 41:267-280. [PMID: 28185477 PMCID: PMC6055945 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1279805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop modern patient-reported outcome measures that assess pain interference and pain behavior after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Grounded-theory based qualitative item development; large-scale item calibration field-testing; confirmatory factor analyses; graded response model item response theory analyses; statistical linking techniques to transform scores to the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) metric. SETTING Five SCI Model Systems centers and one Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Adults with traumatic SCI. INTERVENTIONS N/A. OUTCOME MEASURES Spinal Cord Injury - Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Pain Interference item bank, SCI-QOL Pain Interference short form, and SCI-QOL Pain Behavior scale. RESULTS Seven hundred fifty-seven individuals with traumatic SCI completed 58 items addressing various aspects of pain. Items were then separated by whether they assessed pain interference or pain behavior, and poorly functioning items were removed. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that each set of items was unidimensional, and item response theory analyses were used to estimate slopes and thresholds for the items. Ultimately, 7 items (4 from PROMIS) comprised the Pain Behavior scale and 25 items (18 from PROMIS) comprised the Pain Interference item bank. Ten of these 25 items were selected to form the Pain Interference short form. CONCLUSIONS The SCI-QOL Pain Interference item bank and the SCI-QOL Pain Behavior scale demonstrated robust psychometric properties. The Pain Interference item bank is available as a computer adaptive test or short form for research and clinical applications, and scores are transformed to the PROMIS metric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L. Cohen
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Center on Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Correspondence to: Matthew L. Cohen, 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713, USA.
| | - Pamela A. Kisala
- Center on Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Trevor A. Dyson-Hudson
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, New Jersey, USA,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - David S. Tulsky
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Center on Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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Romero-Ganuza J, García-Forcada Á. Comments on "Does repeated subarachnoid administration of autologous mesenchymal cells in spinal cord injured patients really improve their quality of life?". Cytotherapy 2017; 19:1127-1128. [PMID: 28821309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Tulsky
- Correspondence to: David S. Tulsky, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, College of Health Sciences, 540 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19713.
| | - Pamela A. Kisala
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, College of Health Sciences, Newark, DE, USA
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Tulsky DS, Kisala PA, Victorson D, Tate DG, Heinemann AW, Charlifue S, Kirshblum SC, Fyffe D, Gershon R, Spungen AM, Bombardier CH, Dyson-Hudson TA, Amtmann D, Z. Kalpakjian C, W. Choi S, Jette AM, Forchheimer M, Cella D. Overview of the Spinal Cord Injury--Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) measurement system. J Spinal Cord Med 2015; 38:257-69. [PMID: 26010962 PMCID: PMC4445018 DOI: 10.1179/2045772315y.0000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE The Spinal Cord Injury--Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) measurement system was developed to address the shortage of relevant and psychometrically sound patient reported outcome (PRO) measures available for clinical care and research in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Using a computer adaptive testing (CAT) approach, the SCI-QOL builds on the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) initiative. This initial manuscript introduces the background and development of the SCI-QOL measurement system. Greater detail is presented in the additional manuscripts of this special issue. DESIGN Classical and contemporary test development methodologies were employed. Qualitative input was obtained from individuals with SCI and clinicians through interviews, focus groups, and cognitive debriefing. Item pools were field tested in a multi-site sample (n=877) and calibrated using item response theory methods. Initial reliability and validity testing was performed in a new sample of individuals with traumatic SCI (n=245). SETTING Five Model SCI System centers and one Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center across the United States. PARTICIPANTS Adults with traumatic SCI. INTERVENTIONS n/a OUTCOME MEASURES n/a RESULTS The SCI-QOL consists of 19 item banks, including the SCI-Functional Index banks, and 3 fixed-length scales measuring physical, emotional, and social aspects of health-related QOL (HRQOL). CONCLUSION The SCI-QOL measurement system consists of psychometrically sound measures for individuals with SCI. The manuscripts in this special issue provide evidence of the reliability and initial validity of this measurement system. The SCI-QOL also links to other measures designed for a general medical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Tulsky
- Correspondence to: David S. Tulsky, Professor and Director of the Center on Assessment Research and Translation, STAR Campus, University of Delaware, 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713, USA.
| | - Pamela A. Kisala
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, College of Health Sciences, Newark, DE, USA
| | - David Victorson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Denise G. Tate
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard Gershon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan M. Jette
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David Cella
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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