LAUSR

INTRODUCTION The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the main functional assessment tool used after stroke. The simplified mRS questionnaire (smRSq) has recently been validated in English, and represents a simpler, reliable scale with an excellent reproducibility via telephone. The present study aims to validate a Spanish-language version of the telephone smRSq. METHOD We conducted a prospective cohort study, assessing 50 patients 3 months after they presented an ischaemic stroke. We assessed the Spanish-language smRSq by telephone and in person, the mRS with a structured interview, the Spanish-language smRSq, and the Stroke Impact Scale-16. Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were assessed. RESULTS Inter-rater reliability showed strong agreement (k=0.810); test-retest reliability and criterion validity showed moderate agreement (k=0.639 and k=0.759, respectively), and construct validity showed moderate agreement (Spearman correlation coefficient=-0.728). CONCLUSIONS The Spanish-language telephone smRSq is reliable and simple, and saves time in the functional assessment after a stroke.