The Standardization of the Riverdale Hospital's Home and Community Skills Assessment

Abstract

This study was designed to refine The Riverdale Hospital's Home and Community Skills Assessment, and to develop a set of standards for it. This assessment includes a self-administered, objective, functional living skills assessment designed specifically for persons who have had traumatic closed head injuries. It is divided into seven functional living skill areas (FLS): Time Management, Kitchen Skills, Community Resources, Health, Money Management, Travel, and Vocation. Individual assessment results include partial scores in each of these functional areas, a total FLS score, and a seven component cognitive profile: Planning Skills, Ability to generate thought, Judgement, Work Speed, Ability to follow written instructions, the Amount of structure required to complete a task, and Writing legibility. Fifty normal subjects (those who have never suffered a brain injury or psychiatric disorder) aged 18–70 completed the assessment. Forty percent had post-secondary education; fifty percent were male. Data analysis consisted of removing or revising test questions when 80% of the normal subject group did not respond in accordance with previously established correct responses. Means and standard deviations were then established for each FLS area. Statistical analysis indicated: 1) no significant difference with respect to gender or age, and 2) a significant difference with respect to education level of the FLS areas only.