A modified scoring system for testing language disability in dysphasic patients

Abstract

The presented test for the evaluation of dysphasic patients is an elaboration of an already present language and culture adapted screening test. The test comprises several subtest items that evaluate several language modalities relevant to the general ability of communication. The construction of the test aims at scaling each subtest item as to the grade of difficulty. The score of the patient varies accordingly. The response of the patient is also graded regarding the degree of accuracy and promptness. The reliability of the test was calculated using the Brown-Spearman equation. The overall reliability of the test is 0.83. The test was applied on a pilot clinical material of 40 patients. The test is used for initial and final evaluation, after a 4 months intensive therapy program. A percentile profile of the patient's performance is drawn for each evaluation.