Implementation of the C-BiLLT, an accessible instrument to assess language comprehension in children with limited motor and speech function: an international clinician survey

Abstract

This study assessed implementation of the Computer-based Instrument for Low-motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT). The C-BiLLT is an accessible language comprehension assessment tool originally developed for children with cerebral palsy and complex communication needs. The purpose of the current study was to understand the clinical contexts in which the C-BiLLT is used in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway and assess barriers and facilitators to implementation. An online survey was distributed to rehabilitation clinicians working in the Netherlands, Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium, and Norway. A total of 90 clinicians reported their training in and use of the C-BiLLT; assessed its acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility; and commented on perceived barriers as well as advantages of the tool. Acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were all rated highly. The C-BiLLT was used with various populations and age groups but most often with children who were younger than 12 years of age, and those with cerebral palsy. The main implementation facilitator was clinicians’ motivation; the main barriers were related to resources and complexity of cases. Findings suggest implementation of new assessment tools is an ongoing process that should be monitored following initial training, in order to understand clinical contexts in which the tools are being used.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• computer-based instrument for low motor language testing
• evidence-based assessment
• implementation
• speech-language pathology

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participating clinicians for sharing their experiences and expertise, Johanna Geytenbeek for sharing her database of names, Samantha Yimeng Dong for the illustration, and Audrée Leclerc for her help with reliability coding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funds awarded by CanChild Center for Childhood Disability Research.