Comparison of FIM™ communication ratings for English versus non-English speakers in the traumatic brain injury model systems (TBIMS) national database.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of primary language on admission and discharge FIM™ communication ratings in a sample of individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN AND METHODS: Secondary data analysis of rehabilitation admission and discharge FIM™ communication ratings of 2795 individuals hospitalized at a Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) centre between 2007-2012.

RESULTS: Individuals who spoke no English were rated worse on functional communication outcomes at inpatient rehabilitation discharge relative to individuals whose primary language was English.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings may reflect systematic bias in FIM™ communication ratings of non-English-speaking individuals with TBI and/or TBI-induced communication difficulties in non-English-speaking individuals. Clinical and research implications are discussed.