Intermethod Reliability of Kannada Glasgow Outcome Scale-extended: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) is commonly used to evaluate outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). In India, where many patients live distant from medical facilities, telephone interviews offer a practical substitute for face-to-face evaluations. Objective: This study aimed to validate the Kannada version of GOS-E and investigate the intermethod reliability of the Kannada-translated GOS-E (KnGOS-E) in TBI survivors at and after 3 months of injury, comparing telephonic and face-to-face administration methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 TBI subjects were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Two raters conducted the assessments: the primary rater recorded KnGOS-E scores during a face-to-face interview, followed by a telephonic assessment by the second rater after 3 weeks. Results: The study found that TBI was more prevalent among males, with a mean age of 36.9 ± 13.02 years. The inter-rater reliability between telephonic and face-to-face KnGOS-E assessments was excellent, with a weighted kappa of 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–1.00, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the GOS-E can be reliably administered through telephone in TBI survivors, providing a practical alternative to face-to-face assessments in resource-limited settings.