A Multi-site Feasibility and Validation Study of Visual Signs and Symptoms Screen (V-SASS)

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the feasibility and validity of the V-SASS, a tool for clinicians to easily identify vision function and functional visual deficits and facilitate appropriate referrals and intervention. <h3>Design</h3> Prospective, multi-site study conducted across four states (California, Texas, Illinois, and Minnesota) and six facilities. <h3>Setting</h3> Acute care hospital (22%), inpatient rehabilitation (36.9%), and outpatient rehabilitation (41.1%). <h3>Participants</h3> 141 participants with new onset stroke, average age 61.8 years old, 51.4% male, 48.6% female; 56.4% white, 28.6% Black/African American, 9% Hispanic and 6% Asian/Pacific Islander. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Validation and feasibility of the V-SASS. <h3>Results</h3> The three domains of the V-SASS, inclusive of visual complaints, and static and functional observations, were assessed respectively. In the vision complaint domain, 70.5% of participants identified vision symptoms. 52.6% of the participants were observed to have vision symptoms in the static observation domain. In the final domain, functional observations, 31.9% of the participants exhibited signs of visual dysfunction. Each domain is further subdivided by chief signs and symptoms relative to the topic. Nineteen individuals were confirmed to have been seen by a vision specialist. Of these, 100% had either a vision function (60.0%) or functional vision (80.0%) deficit. 52.6% were found to have both a vision function and functional vision deficit. Feasibility of the V-SASS addressed by various elements, including ease of administration, likability of screen arrangement, confidence in use, and overall recommendations of the V-SASS. All areas addressed were in favor of the V-SASS (all above 75%). Frustration while using the V-SASS was also captured with 24.8% indicating some level of frustration. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The three domains of the V-SASS identified vision signs and symptoms, with prevalence rates (70.5%) consistent with the literature (Rowe et al., 2019). Validity of the V-SASS was confirmed (100% of participants who screened positive were found to have vision deficits by a vision specialist). The V-SASS demonstrates feasibility in multiple clinical and geographic settings, though future research to further investigate robustness is warranted. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> N/A.