A global measure of patient-reported outcomes after injury – life back on track

Abstract

Purpose Assess the psychometric properties of the Life Back on Track (LBoT) measure, a novel self-reported single-item global measure of the trajectory of wellbeing after a transport accident. Materials and methods Evaluated the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and responsiveness using four survey waves (n = 1556 in wave 1), and two repeated cross-sectional surveys (n = 5238) and (n = 1964), of individuals injured in a transport accident in Victoria. Results There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of the LBoT scores by the respondent depression or pain scores, return to work status, financial ability to get by, ability to cope, and ability to bounce back (all p < 0.001). The LBoT measure was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) and reasonable predictor of future work status, and was moderately correlated (>0.67) with the EQ-5D-3L (concurrent validity). Retest reliability (ICC ≥0.76) and sensitivity (effect sizes >1.52) were supported, and it was moderately responsive to change (standard response mean statistics 0.4–0.8). Conclusions LBoT is a valid measure to track the individual’s trajectory of subjective wellbeing in the context of recovery after a trauma, and is potentially useful as an indicator to track the performance of commissioned providers, and to monitor or evaluate the value of service outcomes. Implications for Rehabilitation There is a demand to develop a simple metric to measure the impact of injury, the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of recovery from trauma. Life Back on Track (LBoT) is a valid single-item measure to track an individual’s trajectory of subjective wellbeing after trauma. It has the potential to complement clinical measures where a routine collection of a simple measure is desirable. It is suitable as an indicator of service outcomes for organisations that commission services.