Scale-Description

The DRS evaluates four main areas related to disability:
Arousability, Awareness, and Responsiveness: Refers to the individual’s ability to be awake, respond to stimuli, and be aware of their environment.
Cognitive Ability for Self-care Activities: Includes three categories that assess daily functioning activities:
Feeding
Personal hygiene and grooming
Toileting
Dependence on Others: Assesses the need for assistance or supervision.
Employability: Assesses the individual’s ability to return to work or other forms of employment.
Each area is scored from 0 (no impairment) to a maximum number corresponding to complete disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 29, with 29 representing total disability.

Data Analysis and Use

The DRS is used to monitor the rehabilitation progress of patients with TBI and can be used to compare the severity of disability between different patients or groups. Data analysis can include:
Descriptive statistical analysis: Evaluation of the distribution of scores in different populations.
Before and after rehabilitation comparisons: To assess improvements or stagnation in the patient’s condition.
Predictive models: The DRS can be used in conjunction with other scales to predict the final functional outcome of patients.

Purpose

The goal of the DRS is to quantify disability and monitor the rehabilitation progress of patients with TBI, providing a systematic way to assess self-care ability, dependence on others, and employability.

Calibration

The calibration of the DRS is ensured through its use in different populations of brain-injured patients to document its validity and reliability. Statistical methods, such as internal consistency and validity assessments, are used to confirm that the scale accurately measures disability.

References

Rappaport, M., Hall, K. M., Hopkins, K., Belleza, T., & Cope, D. N. (1982). Disability Rating Scale for Severe Head Trauma: Coma to Community. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 63(3), 118-123.
Hall, K. M., & Johnston, M. V. (1994). Outcomes evaluation in TBI rehabilitation. Part II: Measurement tools for a nationwide data system. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 9(4), 30-42.
Clifton, G. L., & Drewek, R. B. (1992). Disability Rating Scale: A Practical Tool. Neurosurgery, 30(6), 968-969.