Trinity amputation and prosthesis experience scales: a psychometric assessment using classical test theory and rasch...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation medicine
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) is used to assess the experience of individuals with lower-limb amputations.
• A psychometric evaluation of the TAPES is crucial for its continued effective use in research and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed psychometric analysis of the three main scales of the TAPES using classical test theory and Rasch analysis.
• To identify potential improvements and restructuring of the TAPES for enhanced measurement properties in prosthesis users.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 498 lower-limb prosthesis users across the UK and Ireland.
• Application of factor analysis and Rasch analysis techniques to assess dimensionality, item fit, and internal construct validity.
• Consideration of category collapsing and item removal for questionnaire optimization.

Main Results:

• The analysis supported restructuring the TAPES into revised scales for psychosocial adjustment, activity restriction, and prosthesis satisfaction.
• The proposed revised TAPES (TAPES-R) features modified rating scales and item configurations.
• All identified scales and subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and construct validity.

Conclusions:

• A revised version of the TAPES (TAPES-R) was empirically identified, offering a simplified and psychometrically suitable structure.
• The TAPES-R is proposed for assessing the complex experience of amputation and adjustment to lower-limb prostheses.
• Further studies are recommended to confirm the measurement properties and clinical validity of the TAPES-R in diverse samples.