Introduction: Damage to executive functions (EFs) is common after traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and it significantly restricts individuals’ ability to lead independent lives. Studies show that EFs, are the best measures for predicting functional impairment. It’s therefore necessary to develop assessment tools that examine EFs in a functional context.
Objectives: The aim was to develop and validate a diagnostic tool for evaluating behavioral EFs in people with TBI. The tool, “BEF-Videon” includes two filmed scenes, Each shows several functioning errors. The assessed is asked to identify the errors, explain them, list their consequences, and offer solutions.
Method: The study included two groups: 15 people after TBI hospitalized at Loewenstein Center, and 15 healthy individuals with similar characteristics. Construct validity was computed by known group differences analysis. Convergent and divergent validities were calculated by correlation with the FIM-FAM measure. Inter-rater reliability was also tested.
Results: Most of the study’s results support its hypotheses. It was found that the BEF-Videon distinguishes between brain injured and healthy populations on most parameters. For the criterion validity test relatively few significant correlations were found, which may be attributed to the limited size of the sample. High inter-rater reliability was found between most test items.
Conclusions: The tool provides the therapists with a comprehensive assessment of the client’s cognitive and behavioral abilities in the functional context. This helps to define precise and focused goals and to construct an adapted and effective treatment plan, which will lead to a more successful rehabilitation process.