The WHIM-II: Initial development and piloting
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a revised and improved version of the Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM). A behavioural assessment tool developed by Shiel et al (2000). The scale was based on behaviours observed in 88 brain... [ view full abstract ]
The aim of this study is to develop a revised and improved version of the Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM). A behavioural assessment tool developed by Shiel et al (2000). The scale was based on behaviours observed in 88 brain injured patients after a traumatic brain injury. It comprises of 62 behaviours, arranged in a proposed hierarchy. An exploratory design was implemented in a two phased pilot study. An initial retrospective study analysed data provided by participating centres in United Kingdom. These data included the behavioural recovery pattern as measured by the original WHIM of both traumatic and non-traumatic patients.
This analysis produced a preliminary reordering of the WHIM through the use of analyses within and between cases. Correlational analyses was then used to establish the accuracy of the reordered scale. This suggested the proposed reordering was no more accurate than its predecessor. Additional analysis evaluating the hierarchy separately for traumatic and non-traumatic cases identified two different sequences and improved the accuracy for both.
The second stage of the study piloted the proposed scale was piloted with two single case studies; both traumatic brain injuries.
It was hypothesised that if the scale was truly hierarchical there would be no discrepancy between the total and highest number of behaviours. The reorded scale was more accurate in capturing the behavioural repertoires in a hierarchy than the original WHIM. This confirms the need to update the WHIM and highlights how a homogenous scale may not be sensitive to traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries.
Authors
-
Sharon Leahy
(National Rehabilitation Hospital)
-
Agnes Shiel
(National University of Ireland, Galway)
-
Annmarie Morrissey
(National University of Ireland, Galway)
-
Rachel Leonard
(National University of Ireland, Galway)
-
Barbara Wilson
(Oliver Zangwill Centre)
Topic Areas
Education / Research / Professional Challenges , Research methods , Evidence based practice
Session
OS - 2F » Enhancing Engagement Following Brain Injury (16:20 - Thursday, 16th June, Larmor Theatre)
Paper
COTEC-_ENOTHE_WHIM-II.docx