Comparison of FIM™ communication ratings for English versus non-English speakers in the traumatic brain injury model systems (TBIMS) national database

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of primary language on admission and discharge FIM™ communication ratings in a sample of individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design and methods: Secondary data analysis of rehabilitation admission and discharge FIM™ communication ratings of 2795 individuals hospitalized at a Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) centre between 2007–2012.

Results: Individuals who spoke no English were rated worse on functional communication outcomes at inpatient rehabilitation discharge relative to individuals whose primary language was English.

Conclusions: These findings may reflect systematic bias in FIM™ communication ratings of non-English-speaking individuals with TBI and/or TBI-induced communication difficulties in non-English-speaking individuals. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

• Traumatic brain injury
• rehabilitation
• language

Acknowledgements

The TBI Model Systems National Database is a multi-centre study of the TBI Model Systems Centers Program, and is supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). However, these contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the TBI Model Systems Centers or NIDILRR.

Declaration of interest

The current study was funded by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).