Sound psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe data completeness, targeting and reliability of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR).DesignTranslation and reliability study.SubjectsProgramme participants (n = 48) and peer mentors (n = 42) with spinal cord injury enrolled in the INTERnational Project for the Evaluation of “activE Rehabilitation” (inter-PEER).MethodsThe translation process was based on guidelines/recommendations, and involved expert competence, including consumers. The s-SCIM-SR was distributed online, once for programme participants and twice for peer mentors.ResultsSixty-nine individuals (77%) obtained a total score. Most missing data were found in the items Respiration and Using the toilet. Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale was 0.89, for Self-care 0.92, for Respiration and sphincter management 0.37 and for Mobility 0.86. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent for all subscales and the full scale. Measures of variability showed high sensitivity to changes and Bland Altman analyses revealed no systematic changes between evaluation points.ConclusionThese results support the data completeness, targeting and reliability of the Swedish version of the SCIM-SR. However, some problems were found in the subscale Respiration and sphincter management. The s-SCIM-SR can be considered psychometrically sound and suitable to assess physical independence among persons with spinal cord injury in Swedish community settings.LAY ABSTRACTAfter spinal cord injury, an important goal in rehabilitation is to attain a high level of physical independence. In Sweden, no spinal cord injury-specific assessment tool to evaluate physical independence has previously been nationally available. This study presents the translation process and evaluation of the measurement properties of the Swedish version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report (s-SCIM-SR) in a community rehabilitation setting. The translation process involved expert competence, including consumers, and resulted in minor cultural adaptations. The s-SCIM-SR was distributed online to 90 persons with chronic spinal cord injury. Overall, the s-SCIM-SR performed equally as well as the original version in terms of missing data, general agreement between items, and agreement between 2 evaluation points. However, some problems were found in the subscale Respiration and sphincter management. In conclusion, the s-SCIM-SR can be considered psychometrically sound and suitable to assess physical independence among persons with spinal cord injury in Swedish community settings.