Content validation of an activity-based therapy tracking tool in a community setting for people living with spinal cord injury or disease using cognitive debriefing interviews

PLoS ONE, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315404 · Published: December 30, 2024

Simple Explanation

Activity-based therapy (ABT) shows promise for helping people with spinal cord injuries or diseases (SCI/D) regain function. The study evaluates a tool designed to track the details of ABT sessions. The researchers interviewed clinicians and individuals with SCI/D who used the prototype tracking tool over three ABT sessions to gather feedback on its content, ease of use, and suitability. The study found the ABT tracking tool had good content validity, meaning it covered relevant information and was easy to understand. Participants suggested improvements to make it more detailed and user-friendly.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

9 clinicians and 5 individuals with SCI/D

Evidence Level

Qualitative Study

Key Findings

1
The ABT tracking tool was considered comprehensive and appropriate for individuals with SCI/D of all injury profiles.
2
Participants suggested adding a comment section and additional parameters to each activity to capture more detailed information.
3
Participants recommended developing the tool as a mobile app for easier use and data aggregation.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the content validity of a prototype ABT tracking tool through cognitive debriefing interviews with clinicians and people with SCI/D who participate in ABT in a community-based setting. Overall, the tool has content validity and was deemed appropriate for individuals with SCI/D of all injury profiles. Participants considered the tool to be comprehensive in capturing the various types of ABT, however, they did provide recommendations to increase the level of detail, and improve the comprehensibility and ease of use of the tool. Providing the tool as an app and developing a toolkit will support the utility and implementation of the ABT tracking tool across community-based clinics in Canada.

Practical Implications

Improved ABT Documentation

The validated tool can help standardize and improve the documentation of ABT sessions.

Data-Driven Insights

Collected data can inform best practice guidelines for ABT and optimize recovery strategies.

Enhanced Clinical Practice

The mobile app version can integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows, improving efficiency and decision-making.

Study Limitations

1
Participant recruitment impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2
Small sample size of individuals living with SCI/D, with all participants having cervical injuries.
3
Potential for interviewer and social desirability bias inherent in qualitative research.

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