Usability of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule in chronic traumatic brain injury

Authors

  • Sinikka Tarvonen-Schröder
  • Olli Tenovuo
  • Anne Kaljonen
  • Katri Laimi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2345

Keywords:

activities and participation, disability, functioning, ICF, severity, chronic traumatic brain injury, WHODAS.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate functioning measured with the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2. 0) in patients with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, and to compare patients? experiences with assessments made by their significant others and by consultant neurologists. Methods: A total of 112 consecutive patients with traumatic brain injury (29 mild, 43 moderate, 40 severe) and their significant others completed a 12-item WHODAS 2. 0 survey. A neurologist assessed functioning with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health minimal generic set. Results: The total patient and proxy WHODAS 2. 0 sum score was rated as severe, and impairments in household tasks, learning, community life, emotional functions, concentrating, dealing with strangers, maintaining friendships, and working ability as around moderate in all 3 severity groups. In standing, walking, washing, and dressing oneself the reported impairments increased from mild in mild traumatic brain injury to moderate in severe traumatic brain injury. A neurologist rated the overall functioning, working ability, and motor activities most impaired in severe traumatic brain injury, while there were no between-group differences in energy and drive functions and emotional functions. Conclusion: Patients with chronic traumatic brain injury perceive a diversity of significant difficulties in activities and participation irrespective of the severity of the injury. We recommend assessing disability in traumatic brain injury with the short and understandable WHODAS 2. 0 scale, when planning client-oriented services.

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Published

2018-05-14

How to Cite

Tarvonen-Schröder, S., Tenovuo, O., Kaljonen, A., & Laimi, K. (2018). Usability of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule in chronic traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 50(6), 514–518. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2345

Issue

Section

Original Report