Objective: This study introduces the Comprehensive Assessment Measure for the Minimally Responsive Individual (CAMMRI) and reports on its development, inter-rater reliability, construct validity and clinical value.
Methods: A multidisciplinary team of therapists developed this measure, which comprises 12 sub-tests that examine three main areas: Response to the Environment, Motor Control and Communication and Swallowing. The sub-tests are scored using a 7-point scale; sub-tests can also be administered individually. The measure was administered during a pilot project and then 1 year later to 12 adult clients with severe acquired brain injury at a long-term rehabilitation programme. The age range of the participants was 18-65 years; individuals were 1.5-10 years post-injury.
Results: Comparison measures included the Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP), the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and the Chedoke McMaster Impairment Inventory (CMII). Inter-rater reliability of each sub-test ranged from 0.87-1.0, with an average of 0.90 in the first year of the assessments.
Conclusion: Validity data supported the use of the CAMMRI for minimally conscious adults with ABI to measure behavioural changes and plan treatment for this population. Future research should focus on using this measure with other neurological populations.
Keywords: Minimally conscious; brain injury; multidisciplinary; outcome measure; rehabilitation.