The RNL Index assesses an individual’s satisfaction with performance in life activities (May & Warren 2002). Reintegration to normal living is defined by the measure’s authors as the "reorganization of physical, psychological, and social characteristics of an individual into a harmonious whole so that one can resume well-adjusted living after incapacitating illness or trauma."  The RNL assesses mobility, self-care, daily activity, recreational activity, and family roles and was developed based on interviews with clinicians, patients and their significant others. 

Number of items: 11

Procedure/Administration: Self-report or interview. Items are scored using a 10 cm visual analogue scale anchored with phrases (0=no reintegration and 10=complete reintegration).  Wheelchairs or other assistive/adaptive aids may be used when considering how to answer the questions. 

How scored: Both the total score = sum (points all 11 items) and the adjusted score = (total score)/110 * 100 can be calculated.  A minimum adjusted score is 0 and a maximum adjusted score is 100.

Interpretability: Data is available on the CIHI website for individuals with SCI.  Results can also be compared to other research studies. 

Acceptability: The RNL is easy to understand and does not take long to complete 

Languages: English

Usability: N/a

Time to administer: Not long

Time to score: N/a

Training required: None

Availability: Can easily be found on the internet.

Equipment required: None

Summary:

• The RNL provides a measure of the individual’s perceived re-integration to life activities.
• Although the RNL is commonly used as part of the NRS for individuals with SCI, there has been very little research conducted on the psychometric properties for this patient population.

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O=Inter-observer; Intra-O=Intra-observer; SS=Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• May LA, Warren S. Measuring quality of life of persons with spinal cord injury: external and structural validity. Spinal Cord 2002;40:341-350.