Citation

McKeon A, Terhorst L, Skidmore ERD, Ding D, Cooper R, McCue M. Brain Inj. 2017; 31(13-14): 1781-1790.

Affiliation

a Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2017.1388444

PMID

29064733

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a novel tool for measuring behavioural dysregulation in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using objective data sources and real-world application and provide preliminary evidence for its psychometric properties. RESEARCH DESIGN: Fourteen adults with TBI receiving services at a local brain injury rehabilitation programme completed multiple assessments of behaviour and followed by a series of challenging problem-solving tasks while being video recorded. Trained clinicians completed post-hoc behavioural assessments using the behavioural dysregulation ratings scale, and behavioural event data were then extracted for comparison with self-report measures.

RESULTS: Subject matter experts in neurorehabilitation were in 100% agreement that preliminarily, the new tool measured the construct of behavioural dysregulation. Construct validity was established through strong convergence with 'like' measures and weak correlation with 'unlike' measures. Substantial inter-rater reliability was established between two trained clinician raters.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of a new precision measurement tool of behaviour in post-acute TBI that has the capability to be deployed naturalistically where deficits truly manifest. Future large-scaled confirmatory psychometric trials are warranted to further establish the utility of this new tool in rehabilitation research.

Language: en

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury; behavioural dysregulation; ecological momentary assessment; naturalistic assessment; rehabilitation; self-regulation