Validation of the Spanish-language version of the simplified modified Rankin Scale telephone questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction: The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the main functional assessment tool used after stroke. The simplified mRS questionnaire (smRSq) has recently been validated in English, and represents a simpler, reliable scale with an excellent reproducibility via telephone. The present study aims to validate a Spanish-language version of the telephone smRSq.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study, assessing 50 patients 3 months after they presented an ischaemic stroke. We assessed the Spanish-language smRSq by telephone and in person, the mRS with a structured interview, the Spanish-language smRSq, and the Stroke Impact Scale-16. Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were assessed.

Results: Inter-rater reliability showed strong agreement (k = 0.810); test-retest reliability and criterion validity showed moderate agreement (k = 0.639 and k = 0.759, respectively), and construct validity showed moderate agreement (Spearman correlation coefficient = -0.728).

Conclusions: The Spanish-language telephone smRSq is reliable and simple, and saves time in the functional assessment after a stroke.

Keywords: Cuestionario simplificado de la escala modificada Rankin; Disability assessment; Escala modificada Rankin; Evaluación discapacidad; Evaluación funcionalidad; Evaluación telefónica; Functional assessment; Ictus; Modified Rankin Scale; Simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire; Stroke; Telephone assessment.