Development and content validation of the power mobility training tool

Abstract

Purpose: This paper outlines the development and content validation of the power mobility training tool (PMTT), an observational tool designed to assist therapists in developing power mobility training programs for children who have multiple, severe impairments.

Methods: Initial items on the PMTT were developed based on a literature review and in consultation with therapists experienced in the use of power mobility. Items were trialled in clinical settings, reviewed, and refined. Items were then operationalized and an administration manual detailing scoring for each item was created. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to establish content validity via a 15 member, international expert panel. The content validity ratio (CVR) was determined for each possible item.

Results: Of the 19 original items, 10 achieved minimum required CVR values and were included in the final version of the PMTT. Items related to manoeuvring a power mobility device were merged and an item related to the number of switches used concurrently to operate a power mobility device were added to the PMTT.

Conclusions: The PMTT may assist therapists in developing training programs that facilitate the acquisition of beginning power mobility skills in children who have multiple, severe impairments.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Power Mobility Training Tool (PMTT) was developed to help guide the development of power mobility intervention programs for children who have multiple, severe impairments.

• The PMTT can be used with children who access a power mobility device using either a joystick or a switch.

• Therapists who have limited experience with power mobility may find the PMTT to be helpful in setting up and conducting power mobility training interventions as a feasible aspect of a plan of care for children who have multiple, severe impairments.

Keywords:

• Power mobility
• paediatrics
• training tools

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Joanne Bundonis PT, PCS, and ATP for allowing us to use and modify items from the PMS. The authors would also like to thank the power mobility researchers and clinicians who served on the expert panel for this study and Dr. John Peck for his assistance with the project.

Disclosure statement

The authors do not report any conflicts of interest.