Project D1:   Determining the Psychometric Properties of the NRH Pragmatic Communication Skills Rating Scale

Principal Investigator:  Christine Baron, MA, CCC-SLP
Co-Investigators: Melissa Richman, MS CCC-SLP; Thilo Kroll, PhD

Funding Source: Neuroscience Research Center (USAMRMC)

Abstract:
SLPs complete the NRH Pragmatic Communication Skills Clinician Rating Scale as part of their evaluation of right-hemisphere stroke survivors. Family members or significant others are asked to fill out the version of the same scale that has been designed for their use.  Both of these rating scales have been used clinically without benefit of reliability or validity testing.  Reviews of work done with this Scale to date have been extremely encouraging, with the caveat that the psychometric properties of the Scale need to be examined.  The objective of this project is to determine the reliability and validity of the clinician scale in order to contribute to the profession, current clinical practice and the ability to conduct applied research regarding pragmatic communication changes after stroke in a multi-cultural population.

Progress and Outcomes (2004):
Since last renewal (June, 2003), proposal revision which addresses the HSRRB's recommendations (see Progress and Outcomes 2003)was completed and resubmitted September 26, 2003.  Approval was received from the HSRRB on November 19, 2003.  MRI's IRB approval was reapplied for on November 14, 2003 and received on January 27, 2003.  An approved consent form was received approximately one month later.  Data collection began in April 26, 2004.  To date, data for 7/50 subjects has been collected. 

Barriers and Solutions:
Once begun, data collection has proceeded smoothly.  Some patients approached (2 of 9 to date ) have indicated a refusal to sign the consent form.  It's suspected that other stroke researchers may be contacting these same patients within the first few days after admission to NRH.  Should an adequate supply of right-hemisphere-damaged stroke patients not be available and/or the proportion of refusals grow, the reasons for the refusals will be obtained, analyzed and any possible action will be taken to improve enrollment in this study.

Plan:
Continue data collection, estimated to be completed in February, 2005.  Submit results to the Clinical Aphasiology Conference, and if accepted, present results analyzed to date at the conference in May, 2005. 

Publication and Presentations:
Prior research in this area and the current research design and rationale were presented at the Washington Hospital Center’s Continuing Medical Education Symposium:   Stroke Rehabilitation:  Outstanding Outcomes and Best Practices, Washington, D.C., May, 2004.

Progress and Outcomes (2003):
On October 24, 2002, the MedStar Research Institute (MRI) IRB approved the research protocol and informed consent form. The protocol was then forwarded to Dr. Vern Jimmerson, Human Subjects Protection Scientist at the Office of Regulatory Compliance and Quality at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command for review by the Human Subjects Research Review Board (HSRRB).  Response from the HSRRB was received March 26, 2003.  Proposal revision which addresses the HSRRB's recommendations is expected to be completed in August, 2003.

Plan:
Revision of protocol for HSRRB approval.  Begin data collection.