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IVchord piano

The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) was developed in 1997 by Professor Catz and his colleagues in Israel, as a measurement of the ability of Spinal cord injury patients to perform basic activities of daily living independently. Since then it has been modified and tested for international use. The developers have now produced a fourth version of the SCIM based on comments and suggestions received from users around the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usability and validity of this fourth edition of the SCIM. Patients with a spinal cord injury with a degree of disability over the age of 18 would be eligible to take part.The study would take place in specialist spinal injury centres across the UK with at least 30 patients at each centre. This study is also being carried out in different countries around the world. The data obtained would be transferred to the study team in Israel at the end of the study. No participant identifiable information will be sent.In this study a member of the clinical care team (a doctor, nurse or therapist) will observe participants in their daily activities and assess their independence in 1) self-care, 2) respiration and sphincter management, and 3) mobility. He or she will then record this as a score on the SCIM IV form. The already validated SCIM III form will be used alongside and the data from both will be collected. The forms will be completed by two members of staff at the beginning of the participant's rehabilitation programme and again at the end of it. The two members of staff will complete the assessment independently.