The Strategy Use Measure (SUM): a new tool to evaluate the use of compensatory behavioural strategies for cognitive, emotional and behavioural impairments after acquired brain injury

The Strategy Use Measure (SUM) was developed as a systematic tool to assess cognitive, behavioural and emotional strategy use by clients and carers after acquired brain injury. Comprehensive content development was undertaken across four clinical service sites via expert clinician consultation and consensus, file review of strategies used in clinical practice, and consumer consultation. Statistical analysis was undertaken to evaluate items and assess reliability, validity and factor structure. Two final versions of the SUM were developed, for use with clients (SUM-ABI; 14 items) and carers (SUM-C; 24 items). Internal consistency for the total scales was sound (SUM-ABI =.90; SUM-C =.96) as was test-retest reliability (SUM-ABI =.87; SUM-C =.90). Meaningful factors were identified for both scales (SUM-ABI: Memory and Planning, Emotion and Mood, Cognitive Load; SUM-C: Executive Support, Emotion/Behaviour Support, Enhancing Task Performance, Motivation Support) with all subscales demonstrating strong internal consistency (≥.80). Construct validity for both scales was explored using validated measures. The SUM versions were evaluated against COSMIN instrument design standards and found overall to be reliable and valid, with promising utility in rehabilitation for clinicians and researchers.