The Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO): a new measure for use with stroke patients

To develop a measure of social integration following stroke.

Question and response scale generation from qualitative interview-based work followed by item and factor analytic methods of test construction. Analysis of the psychometric properties of final index.

Frenchay Activities Index, Nottingham Health Profile, Wakefield Depression Inventory, Barthel Index.

Community setting, Bath, UK.

Two hundred and sixty survivors of stroke, discharged at least six months previously from a general hospital.

A 10-item Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO) was developed. Each question is scored on a scale of 0-4 with a low score indicating a poor level of integration. From the 157 completed questionnaires, total scores ranged from 0 to 40 with a median of 24 (interquartile range 15-32). Initial testing of the psychometric properties of the SIPSO suggest that it is able to provide assessment of two distinct areas of patient integration. From analysis of completed questionnaires it is suggested that questions 1-5 on the SIPSO measure a factor related to physical functioning/mobility whilst questions 6-10 measure a factor related to social/emotional functioning. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity were established.

The SIPSO provides a brief, valid and reliable assessment of an individual's ability to reintegrate to a 'normal' lifestyle. The SIPSO differs from other measures in that it provides assessment of both quantity and quality of activities and interaction, reflecting an individual's ability to reintegrate to his/her own satisfaction. As a 10-item self-report questionnaire the SIPSO can be administered quickly and cheaply to large numbers of patients.