A novel tool for naturalistic assessment of behavioural dysregulation after traumatic brain injury: A pilot study. (6th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKeon, Ashlee; Terhorst, Lauren; Skidmore, Elizabeth; Ding, Dan; Cooper, Rory; McCue, Michael
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 31:Number 13/14(2017)
• Page Start: 1781
• Page End: 1790
• Publication Date: 2017-12-06
• Subjects: Traumatic brain injury -- behavioural dysregulation -- self-regulation -- ecological momentary assessment -- naturalistic assessment -- rehabilitation; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2017.1388444
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

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.