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.
Published Version
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