Preliminary inter-rater reliability of the wheelchair components questionnaire for condition

Abstract

Purpose: The Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for Condition (WCQ-C) enables the collection of data on wheelchair maintenance condition and durability in resource-limited environments. It can be used in large studies to indicate typical patterns of wear at a location, or for a type of wheelchair. It can also be used in clinical settings as an evidence based indication that a wheelchair may need repair or replacement. This type of data can enable effective use of limited funds by wheelchair providers, manufacturers and users. The goal of this study was to investigate the inter-rater reliability of the WCQ-C.

Methods: Two therapists from North America who have worked extensively in low-resource areas used the WCQ-C to independently evaluate 46 wheelchairs at a primary school for children with disabilities in Kenya.

Results: Mean scores of ratings for each wheelchair by the two raters were used to calculate a two-way random interclass correlation coefficient. A value of 0.82 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.67–0.89 indicated good preliminary reliability.

Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that the WCQ-C is a reliable method of assessment. Additional studies are needed with larger and more diverse groups of raters. Because WCQ-C findings are specific to wheelchair wear and maintenance at each location, studies at other locations are also needed.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The importance of inter-rater reliability testing in confirming the reliability of an assessment tool such as the WCQ-C.

• The use of the WCQ-C to monitor wheelchair condition in low-resource settings and other field settings. If used at regular interval can produce data that can be used to describe typical changes over time at each individual setting. This could enable proactive planning at that setting to avoid typical breakdowns and the injuries or clinical complications that could result.

• The use of the WCQ-C to monitor the condition of groups of wheelchairs of the same type. It can describe typical patterns of wear and failure in a way that enables responsive change by manufacturers and designers. This enables more effective use of limited funds.

• On an individual basis, the use of the WCQ-C to alert users and health professionals of a need for repair or replacement. This could minimize the clinical problems and accidents that can result from wheelchair breakdown.

• Assessment of a wheelchair using the WCQ-C could provide evidence based data to insurance companies or wheelchair providers which indicates a need for wheelchair repair or replacement.

Keywords:

• Wheelchair
• durability
• condition
• maintenance
• resource-limited
• assistive technology
• outcomes

Acknowledgements

We thank our universities, or host organization in Kenya and the primary school we worked with, the Kenyan Ministry of Medical Services, and the therapists and seating specialists.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.