Cross-cultural adaptation of the assistive technology device – Predisposition assessment (ATD PA) for use in Brazil (ATD PA Br)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) for use in Brazil.

Method: The selection of the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATD PA) was determined by previous literature reviews of articles published in 2014 and 2016 in six databases with the terms "assistive device" or "assistive technology" or "self-help device" combined with "evidence-based practice" or "framework" or "measurement scale" or "model and outcome assessment". This review indicated that the conceptual model of Assistive Technology (AT) most discussed in the literature was the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) model, and this finding determined the selection of ATD PA as an assessment within the MPT portfolio of measures. The procedures for cross-cultural adaptation were as follows: Equivalence of Concept, Semantic and Operational. Five experts were asked to translate 725 items and these translations were evaluated and a high level of agreement was demonstrated.

Results: The Portuguese version, Avaliação de Tecnologia Assistiva – Predisposição ao Uso – ATD PA Br, was derived from the original version in English (ATD PA).

Conclusion: The ATD PA Br will support professionals and people with disabilities in Brazil to better select AT devices according to the clients’ needs.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Provides a systematic way of selecting assistive technology devices for the use of individuals with disabilities according to the Brazilian reality.

• A systematic way of selecting the assistive technology that can help decrease the abandonment of the assistive technology use.

• The use of the Matching Person and Technology theorical model and of the assessment ATD PA Br is essential to guide the researches and clinical practice in Brazil.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology device
• assistive technology
• outcome measures
• usability
• Matching Person and Technology Model
• translation

Disclosure statement

The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding

This study was supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).