Content validity of the modified barthel index for stroke patients in South Africa
Date
2016-10-12
Authors
Breytenbach, Fiona
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Abstract
Background: The Barthel Index is considered the global golden standard for
assessing of one’s performance in self-care tasks, but little research has been
performed on the integrity of this outcome measure for the South African stroke
population.
Aim: The study aimed to determine whether the content validity of the Modified Barthel
Index is adequate in assessing the ADL functioning of stroke patients in South Africa.
Research design: Mixed methods design using the nominal group technique
Methods: Four nominal group technique groups were held consisting of three to six
participants per group. The study sample consisted of occupational therapists (n=11)
and physiotherapists (n=4) with four or more years working experience (mean=13.7
years) in the field of adult neurorehabilitation in South Africa. Each group was
presented with five questions based on the Table of Specifications methodology to
analyse the content validity of the Modified Barthel Index. Data analysis followed Van
Breda’s steps to analysing multi-group nominal group technique data to establish
themes arising from each question and were presented according to final rank scores.
Results: The themes receiving the highest rank score for each of the five questions
concluded that the Modified Barthel Index should (i) be designed for use by therapists
and nurses, (ii) remain in English, (iii) be re-worded to be clear and understandable,
(iv) include all aspects of functional mobility, and (v) should accommodate for the effect
accessibility barriers have on daily functioning.
Conclusion: The Modified Barthel Index requires revision to improve its content
validity for the South African stroke population. This study provides recommendations
for the standardization of the tool.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic
Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (Neurosciences)
February 2016
Keywords
Modified Barthel Index