Validation of the Duke Activity Status Index questionnaire by telephone In individuals after stroke

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote assessment tools for stroke survivors with mobility limitations.
• Telephone-administered outcome measures are crucial for continuity of care and remote follow-up.
• Validating existing questionnaires for telephone use is essential for post-stroke management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the validity of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire when administered via telephone to chronic stroke survivors.
• To determine if telephone-based DASI administration is a reliable method for assessing functional capacity in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study adhering to COSMIN and GRRAS guidelines.
• Chronic stroke survivors completed the DASI questionnaire in-person and via telephone within 5-7 days.
• Statistical analysis included comparing total scores and assessing agreement using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Kappa coefficients.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between in-person and telephone DASI administration (p=0.13).
• Very high agreement was observed between the two administration modes (ICC=0.99).
• Individual item agreement varied, with Kappa coefficients ranging from 0.390 to 1.000.

Conclusions:

• The DASI questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing functional capacity in chronic stroke survivors when administered by telephone.
• Telephone administration of the DASI can reduce the need for patient transportation, offering a convenient and effective remote assessment option.
• This validates a practical approach for ongoing monitoring and research in stroke rehabilitation.