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

摘要

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.