Article

Comparing results across studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been
difficult because of the variability in data coding, definitions, and collection
procedures. The global aim of the Working Group on Demographics and Clinical
Assessment was to develop recommendations on the coding of clinical and
demographic variables for TBI studies applicable across the broad spectrum of
TBI, and to classify these as core, supplemental, or emerging. The process was
consensus driven, with input from experts over a broad range of disciplines.
Special consideration was given to military and pediatric TBI. Categorizing
clinical elements as core versus supplemental proved difficult, given the great
variation in types of studies and their interests. The data elements are
contained in modules, which are grouped together in categories. Three levels of
detail for coding data elements were developed: basic, intermediate, and
advanced, with the greatest level of detail in the advanced version. In every
case, the more detailed coding can be collapsed into the basic version. Templates
were produced to summarize coding formats, motivation of choices, and
recommendations for procedures. Work is ongoing to include more international
participation and to provide an electronic data entry format with pull-down menus
and automated data checks.
This proposed standardization will facilitate
comparison of research findings across studies and encourage high-quality meta-analysis of individual patient data.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS