The insight interview: a new tool for measuring deficits in awareness after traumatic brain injury

Tania Malouf*, Robyn Langdon, Alan Taylor

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: Awareness deficits are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, relatively little is known of awareness deficits in the early stages post-injury. This study outlines the development of a new tool, 'The Insight Interview', designed to measure awareness across different domains (awareness of change, severity of deficits, current and future functional consequences) from 3 months post-TBI. Methods: Forty-three patients with at least a severe TBI, their nominated family member and treating clinician were all administered different versions of the Insight Interview during the patient's inpatient stay. Awareness was measured; (1) by calculating a discrepancy score between the patient's and their family informant's and/or clinician's ratings of the patient's abilities and (2) using interviewer-based ratings of the patients' responses to interview questions. Results: Awareness differed depending upon the domain being assessed, with patients demonstrating greatest awareness in the current functional consequences domain. Evidence for a distinction between awareness of current and future functional consequences of impairments was also seen. Discrepancy scores and interviewer-based ratings showed good concordance. Adequate reliability and validity was demonstrated. Conclusion: The Insight Interview is a useful and valid tool for measuring awareness in the acute stages following TBI and highlights that awareness depends on domain assessed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1523-1541
    Number of pages19
    JournalBrain Injury
    Volume28
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2014

    Keywords

    • assessment
    • psychometric assessment
    • self-awarenes
    • traumatic brain injury

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