SAIL works with NERSCIC and LIBRE

In collaboration with Mary D. Slavin, Director of Education at the Health & Disability Research Institute, the Software & Application Innovation Lab (SAIL) at the Hariri Institute for Computing developed a functional measure for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using computerized adaptive testing (CAT) platforms. In prior years, the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (NERSCIC) has worked to implement the CAT approach in order to measure SCI function. The adaptive test prompts users to answer a question and proceeds to selecting the next best question based on the user’s answer. Not only does this process eliminate confusing questions, but additionally evaluates a wide range of ability in a short amount of time.

The Spinal Cord Injury Functional Index (SCI-FI) asks users functional area questions, such as basic mobility, self-care, fine motor function, ambulation, and wheelchair mobility and related issues, with the CAT component selecting each proceeding SCI-FI question that accurately matches the user’s ability level. The SCI-FI CAT measures a person’s functionality, or functional score, within minutes, and can track changes in functional ability for individuals at any level.

Led by SAIL Engineer Shreya Pandit, SAIL additionally developed the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Profile for burn injury patients. The goal of the questionnaire for burn survivors is for both individuals and clinicians to able to track the ups and downs of recovery, improve rehabilitation for a wide range of individuals and identify areas where support can be improved. In a video recently released by LIBRE,  members of Phoenix World Burn Congress give their perspectives and feature a user interacting with the platform.

[Read more on NERSCIC]

[Read more on LIBRE]

[Read more on the School of Public Health website]