Development, Construction, and Content Validation of a Questionnaire to Test Mobile Shower Commode Usability

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2101-77 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on developing a way to measure how easy and useful mobile shower commodes (MSCs) are for adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). These devices are important for daily tasks like showering and bowel care. The researchers created a questionnaire, called eMAST 1.0, which asks about the features and performance of MSCs. The questionnaire was carefully designed with feedback from users and experts. The goal is to have a tool that can help improve the design, assessment, and use of MSCs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for people with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

7 adults with SCI and 8 occupational therapists for initial phases; 5 expert clinicians for content validity

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The electronic Mobile Shower Commode Assessment Tool Version 1.0 (eMAST 1.0) questionnaire tests MSC features and performance during activities identified using a mixed-methods approach and in consultation with users.
2
The final questionnaire contains 25 questions in 3 sections. The eMAST 1.0 demonstrates excellent content validity as determined by a small sample of expert clinicians.
3
The eMAST 1.0 tests usability of MSCs from the perspective of adults with SCI and may be used to solicit feedback during MSC design, assessment, prescription, and ongoing use.

Research Summary

This study details the development and validation of the electronic Mobile Shower Commode Assessment Tool Version 1.0 (eMAST 1.0), a questionnaire designed to assess the usability of mobile shower commodes (MSCs) for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The questionnaire was developed through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating user preferences, expert opinions, and literature reviews to identify key usability indicators. The final version includes 25 questions across three sections, covering MSC features and performance. The eMAST 1.0 demonstrated excellent content validity as determined by a panel of expert clinicians, suggesting it is a useful tool for evaluating MSC usability in clinical practice and research.

Practical Implications

Improved MSC Design

The eMAST 1.0 can provide feedback to manufacturers and designers to improve the usability and features of MSCs.

Enhanced Clinical Assessment

Clinicians can use the eMAST 1.0 to assess and prescribe MSCs that better meet the needs of adults with SCI.

Demonstrating Outcomes

The eMAST 1.0 can be used to demonstrate the outcomes of MSC provision, which is increasingly important for funding and regulatory purposes.

Study Limitations

1
Evidence on MSC use and performance resides mostly in the grey literature and sources of usability indicators may have inadvertently been missed.
2
The sample size for interviews in phase 1 was small, and participants may not represent the full range of views across all adults with SCI and expert clinicians.
3
The eMAST 1.0 focuses on MSC use in the home and may not reflect usability across physical environments in rental or travel accommodation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury