Ecological Validity of the Multiple Errands Test (MET) on Discharge from Neurorehabilitation Hospital

The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the predictive and ecological validity of the Multiple Errands Test (MET) on discharge from neurorehabilitation hospital to the community. The specific objective was to examine the relationships between discharge MET scores and follow-up scores on the Participation Index (M2PI). The study sample included 30 participants with acquired brain injury who were independent in basic activities of daily living 1 week prior to discharge from a neurorehabilitation unit. The MET Hospital-Version was administered at discharge and the M2PI was administered to participants and their caregivers during a home visit 3 months after discharge. Moderate significant correlations were found between the MET and the M2PI scores (self and caregiver MET total error score with total M2PI r = .403, r = .510), with a greater correlation coefficient for caregiver ratings than for self ratings. Partial correlation analysis demonstrated the stability of this relationship while controlling for basic cognitive status scores. The results provide supporting evidence for the ecological validity of the MET at discharge from neurorehabilitation. In addition, the findings highlight the need for community-based rehabilitation that will reduce the impact of executive function deficits on participation in daily life.