Abstract
This study compared the interrater reliability of two wheelchair assessments between therapists and students on an international service trip with the aim of improving wheelchair provision for children who need a moderate level of postural support. Having reliable data will encourage the appropriate provision of wheelchairs by local providers as well as improve the longevity and appropriateness of products being manufactured and provided in low- to middle-income countries.
Primary Author and Speaker: Jessica Dawn Tsotsoros
Additional Authors and Speakers: Lynn D. Jeffries, Reagan Collins, Katlyn McDonald, Juanita Hinckley
Contributing Authors: Hailey Chamberlin, Luke McAuley, Cristi Carnahan
Less than fifteen percent of those needing a wheelchair (WC) receive one in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Well-meaning organizations donate most of these WCs, but without the proper training and fit, the WC may be harmful to the user. Field studies are needed to provide data back to the WC manufacturers and providers systematically to improve the provision of WC. The purpose of this study was to compare the inter-rater reliability of the Wheelchair Component Questionnaire (WCQ) and the Wheelchair Interface Questionnaire (WIQ) between expert therapists (occupational therapists [OT] and physical therapists [PT]) and novice users (OT and PT students). In this experimental study, four expert therapists and four novice students assessed 12 WCs used by children living in Kenya. Children ages 4-15 years who previously received the WC 1-18 months prior were recruited through the local children’s hospital. After training, novice students and expert therapists administered the WCQ and WIQ simultaneously. The WCQ assesses the quality of the wheelchair and the components. The WIQ measures how well the wheelchair fits the user and supports occupation and participation within their environments. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the mean rating of each measure was completed using SPSS. The WCQ ICC was .839, and the WIQ was .938 between expert therapists and novice students. OT and PT students are reliable using the WCQ and the WIC with training. When WCs are distributed, follow-up is necessary, especially in LMICs with limited access to repairs and adjustments. Improvements in WC design and production are urgently needed but can only occur when the users’ needs are truly understood. Having reliable data will encourage the appropriate provision of WCs by local providers as well as improve the longevity and appropriateness of products being manufactured and provided in LMICs.
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