Measurement properties of instruments to assess mental function during activity and participation in individuals surviving traumatic brain injury: A systematic review protocol

Background: Most studies assessing mental function in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) assess the impairments through pen and paper tests. However, weak correlation has been found between the results from pen and paper tests and the results from performance-based tests during activity and participation. Objective: To investigate measurement properties of performance-based instruments that are used to assess mental function during activity and participation in individuals with a TBI. Material and methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and OTseeker will be searched for relevant studies reporting on measurement properties of performance-based instruments to assess mental function in individuals with a TBI. The COnsensus-based Standards for selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The Terwee quality criteria will be applied to evaluate the study findings for each measurement property. To summarize all the evidence, a best evidence synthesis will be performed. Results: Results will be presented in text and tables. Conclusions: Conclusion will be drawn up-on the overall evidence Significance: It is expected that the findings of the review will provide evidence to guide clinicians in the selection of instruments to use in occupational therapy practice and research.