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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: We investigated the predictive validity of the Word Memory Test (WMT), a computerized verbal memory neuropsychological test developed as a performance validity measure designed to assess memory, effort and performance consistency.
DESIGN: We conducted a historical cohort study with one-year follow-up. SETTING: The research was conducted at a workers' compensation rehabilitation facility in Edmonton, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects included 188 workers' compensation claimants with work-related head trauma. The sample was predominantly male (70%), with a mean age of 44 years. Subjects completed a neuropsychological battery of measures at baseline that included the WMT and were then followed-up for 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes for determining predictive validity included days to benefit suspension during the one-year follow-up and work-related discharge status in claimants undergoing rehabilitation. Analysis included multivariable Cox and logistic regression.
RESULTS: Better WMT performance was significantly but weakly correlated with younger age (r= - 0.30), documented brain abnormality (r=0.28), and loss of consciousness at time of injury (r=0.25). Claimants with documented brain abnormalities on diagnostic imaging examinations performed up to 9% better on the WMT than those without brain abnormalities. The WMT predicted days receiving benefits (adjusted Hazard Ratio 1.13 (1.04, 1.24) and work status outcome at program discharge (adjusted Odds Ratio 1.62 (1.13, 2.34).
CONCLUSIONS: Results provide predictive validity evidence for the WMT in workers' compensation claimants. Younger claimants and those with more severe brain injuries performed better on the WMT. It may be that financial incentives or other factors related to the compensation claim influenced performance.
Language: en |