Affiliations: University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Grace Hoppenbrouwers, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Tel.: +61 8 830 22702; Fax: +61 8 830 22645; E-mail:hopgy003@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND:
Accurate assessment and provision of switching technology allows children
with physical and multiple disabilities the opportunity of reaching their
full potential within chosen occupations, particularly schooling. Senior
occupational therapists from Novita Children's Services designed the Novita
Switch Record Form (NSRF) to measure small changes in children's switching
skills over time. OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to determine the content validity, inter-rater
reliability and usability of the NSRF. METHODS:
Six expert occupational therapists analyzed the NSRF by means of a content
validity questionnaire. In addition, 24 occupational therapists watched a
YouTube video of approx. 5 minutes of a child who used 2 different switches
at the same time. No background information was available of the child and
occupational therapist in the video. The occupational therapists used the
NSRF to assess the switching skills of the child and completed a usability
questionnaire that measured the usability of the NSRF. RESULTS:
The NSRF has acceptable content validity in regards to its relevance and
representativeness of switching skills, but has poor clarity. Poor
inter-rater reliability was found. Feedback from usability testing indicated
the NSRF was a useful tool that would assist therapists to assess switching
skills. CONCLUSIONS:
It is recommended that the NSRF, user guide and a training package be
further developed and tested to improve clarity and reliability.
