Stroke impact scale: a specifi c instrument to assess the quality of life in stroke survivors

Abstract
Introduction. Stroke represents the third leading cause of death in
industrialized countries with a signifi cant impact on individuals, families
and public health. It is important to measure quality of life (QOL) in
stroke survivors both for clinical and research purposes. Literature
reports generic and specifi c instruments to measure quality of life. The
Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) is a specifi c instruments to measure QOL in
stroke survivors.
Main Issue. The SIS was developed after a long process of qualitative
and quantitative research. The SIS 2.0 was the fi rst version of this
scale consisting of 64 items grouped in 8 domains (Strength, Memory,
Emotion, Communication, ADL/IADL, Mobility, Hand Function, Social
participation) and one item that measures the Global Recovery from
stroke. Subsequently, SIS items were reduced to 59 in the SIS 3.0. Several
studies have validated the SIS 3.0 proxy version (to be completed by
the caregiver) and SIS-16, consisting of 16 items which measure only
the physical QOL affected by stroke. Several studies have shown that
the various versions of the SIS have good psychometric properties of
reliability, validity and responsiveness to change. The SIS 3.0 was tested
in several countries including Italy. Preliminary results of the Italian
study indicate that the SIS 3.0 has a good internal consistency, stability,
responsiveness to change and concurrent validity.
Conclusions. Given the aging of the population with an increasing
prevalence and incidence of stroke, it is essential for healthcare
professionals to have a specifi c instrument to measure QOL of stroke
survivors both for clinical and scientifi c purposes.
Keywords: Quality of life, Stroke, Stroke survivors, Measurement
scales, Stroke Impact Scale.

Qualità di vita, Ictus cerebrale, Paziente con ictus, Scale di misurazione, Stroke Impact Scale