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Measuring physical function in children with airway support: a pilot study using computer adaptive testing
Helene M Dumas1, Elaine L Rosen, Stephen M Haley
1Franciscan Hospital for Children, Research Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA. hdumas@fhfc.org
Insights
The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory computer adaptive testing (PEDI-MCAT) showed responsiveness to changes in physical function for children in inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. This tool may reduce clinician workload and improve efficiency in assessing pediatric disability.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Disability assessment
- Computer adaptive testing
Background:
- Assessing functional changes in children undergoing inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation is crucial.
- Existing tools may not be efficient or responsive enough for this population.
- The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory computer adaptive testing (PEDI-MCAT) offers a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the responsiveness of the PEDI-MCAT in children admitted to inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation.
- To examine the scoring range and efficiency of the PEDI-MCAT.
- To compare PEDI-MCAT scores pre- and post-rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- The PEDI-MCAT was administered via clinician report to 30 infants and children.
- Self-care and mobility scores at admission and discharge were compared.
- Scoring range and test efficiency (time, items administered) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in self-care and mobility were observed for the total group and diagnostic sub-groups (except prematurity mobility).
- Effect sizes were small-to-moderate, with scores concentrated at the lower end of the scale.
- The PEDI-MCAT was efficient, averaging 1.57 minutes and 9-11 items per assessment.
Conclusions:
- The PEDI-MCAT demonstrated responsiveness to changes in pediatric physical function.
- The assessment primarily utilized low-ability items, indicating potential for this patient group.
- The PEDI-MCAT may reduce clinician burden in inpatient settings.
Objective:
To assess the responsiveness, examine the scoring range and determine the efficiency of a multidimensional computer adaptive testing version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-MCAT) for children admitted to inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation.
Methods:
The PEDI-MCAT was completed by clinician report for 30 infants and children. Mean self-care and mobility admission scores were compared with discharge scores for the total group and two diagnostic sub-groups (prematurity and congenital/neurological conditions). The scoring range of the mobility and self-care scales was examined to determine placement of the scores along the overall PEDI-MCAT scale. Efficiency was determined using an internal clock and average number of items required for score generation.
Results:
Mean changes for the total group and both sub-groups were significant for both self-care and mobility, except for the prematurity group's mobility scores. Effect sizes were small-to-moderate. Scores for both groups were at the low end of the scoring ranges. Average time to complete the PEDI-MCAT was 1.57 minutes. Average number of items administered was nine for self-care and 11 for mobility.
Conclusion:
The PEDI-MCAT was responsive to change in physical function, although only low-ability items were needed. The PEDI-MCAT can potentially minimize clinician burden in inpatient settings.
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