Article

The aim of this study was to adapt the WheelCon-M, an outcome measure
used to assess confidence with manual wheelchair use, into a version that is
applicable for power wheelchair users (WheelCon-P).
METHODS: Adaptation of the
WheelCon-M into the WheelCon-P occurred in two phases: (1) item modification was
conducted using focus groups and (2) item refinement was done using a think aloud
process. RESULTS: The healthcare professionals (n = 12) were mostly female,
mostly occupational therapists and practiced an average of 14 years. The power
wheelchair users (n = 8) were 50% men with an average of 8 years of power
wheelchair experience and a range of diagnoses. In phase 1, of the 63 WheelCon-M
items, 6 remained the same, 18 were removed, 38 modified and 15 new items added
to develop the WheelCon-P. In phase 2, 15 WheelCon-P items were refined.
CONCLUSIONS: This study resulted in the modification of the WheelCon-M into the
WheelCon-P, a 59-item, self-report outcome measure designed to assess confidence
with power wheelchair use. The next step in the evolution of this promising new
measure is the assessment of its measurement properties. Implications for
Rehabilitation The WheelCon-P is a new outcome measure designed to assess
confidence with power wheelchair use. This study suggests that the items in this
measure will be interpreted as intended.

Langue : ANGLAIS