The Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART): Metric Properties and Scoring

The purpose of this study was to facilitate the proper use and interpretation of the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART) as a measure of community integration and social participation in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). CHART data on 1,998 cases in the SCI Model Systems database were analyzed. These cases provide the basis for norms by neurologic categories on a large sample. The relationship of CHART subscale scores with demographic factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, occupation, year post injury, marital status, and education) and level and completeness of SCI are described. Maximum scores achieved for the subscales are presented by time post injury. Sample biases are demonstrated with substantial missing data in the Economic Self Sufficiency subscale. The CHART total score is shown to be a potentially misleading summary assessment of handicap, and use of subscale scores is recommended. The discussion addresses these issues and others relevant to characteristics and practical use of the CHART.