Measuring physical function in children with airway support: a pilot study using computer adaptive testing.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Dumas
Helene M
HM
Franciscan Hospital for Children, Research Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA. hdumas@fhfc.org
Rosen
Elaine L
EL
Haley
Stephen M
SM
Fragala-Pinkham
Maria A
MA
Ni
Pengsheng
P
O'Brien
Jane E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods