Face and content validity for the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose

Because outcomes studies are known to facilitate effective use of funds, economic realities in lower-resource countries increase the need for outcome measures for wheelchair effectiveness in these areas. Effective use of funds based on evidence is especially needed since the level of wheelchair provision is low, and many wheelchairs are inappropriate for their intended users. There are very few existing wheelchair specific assistive technology outcome measures. The Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire (WSQ) was designed to be a snapshot of a wheelchair user’s level of satisfaction with their wheelchair. The current studies examined the development of the WSQ and its initial face and content validity.

Materials and Methods

The WSQ is comprised of 16 visual analogue scale questions; each question includes a qualitative explanatory comment. In study 1, 15 adult users of manual wheelchairs completed the WSQ and then the completed a follow-up questionnaire which collected feedback on each question. In study 2, 15 secondary school student users of manual wheelchairs in Kenya completed the same procedure used in study 1.

Results

High mean satisfaction scores on the follow-up questionnaire support face and content validity in both studies.

Conclusion

The WSQ has the potential to give wheelchair users a quantifiable voice on wheelchair function. Data obtained from the WSQ also has the potential to provide data from wheelchair users to wheelchair manufacturers and providers, leading to better design and provision.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Based upon the score of a specific item, manufacturers could improve design of wheelchairs for use in lower-and-middle-income countries, and providers could be better-informed as to models sent to specific environments.

• The WSQ could provide evidence-based information to support improved provision and design.

• The WSQ could be used in a clinical setting over time to identify the most common interface problems in that particular setting.

Keywords:

• Wheelchair
• outcome measure
• face validity
• content validity
• questionnaire

Acknowledgements

The authors thank their partner organization in Kenya and the wheelchair users who participated in Study 1 and Study 2.

Author contributions

Heather McFadden Bane is a graduate student at LeTourneau University, School of Psychology and Counseling. Vicki L. Sheafer, PhD is Dean of LeTourneau University’s School of Psychology and Counseling. Karen Rispin is now with Assistive Technology Catalyst.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the submitted article are solely the views of the researchers and do not reflect the position of the University. The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declaration of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The study in Kenya was funded in part by LeTourneau University’s office of global initiatives, and in part by donations from individuals.