Linguistic and Content Validation of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 in Three Languages

@#Introduction: A stroke can have devastating consequences and may reduce the Quality of Life (QoL) of stroke survivors. Specific QoL measurement is therefore needed to appreciate and quantify the impact of this condition. The objective of the study is to culturally adapt, translate and validate the Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil versions of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 for its application in clinical practice and stroke research in Malaysia. Methods: A total of nine translators translated the SIS 3.0 and five professional experts carried out the linguistic validation of the SIS 3.0 in accordance with the Mapi Research Institute’s linguistic validation guideline. The steps for linguistic validation included forward translation, synthesis, backward translation, clinicians’ review, and cognitive debriefing. Ten to thirteen healthcare practitioners rated the translated versions of SIS 3.0 using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Results: During the translation processes, concerns were expressed about various grammatical and semantic issues, such as the appropriateness of some phrases used for the Malaysian demographic. The Scale-CVI average was 0.91 and 0.95 for relevance and clarity respectively which indicated excellent content validity. The CVR values ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. Conclusion: The Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil versions of SIS 3.0 was well developed. The translated versions of SIS 3.0 could be adopted in clinical, community and educational settings. Nevertheless, further in-depth psychometric testing including construct validity and reliability on a larger sample among the multi-ethic Malaysians stroke survivors is advised.

Advisory Panel Review on the Feasibility of Three Intervention Programmes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

@#Introduction: The prevalence of children with autism spectrum disorder is increasing each year. Intervention programmes towards improving the occupational needs such as daily activities of these children are limited. This study aimed to collect opinions from advisory panel for the content validation of the three developed intervention programmes to be implemented among children with autism spectrum disorder aged between 6 to 12 years. The intervention programmes are; i) self-regulated learning, ii) sensory integration intervention and iii) activity-based intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Twenty occupational therapists with more than three years’ experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders were recruited as advisory panel members. Researchers-developed questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consists of nine to eleven items. Each item consists of a five-point Likert scale for quantitative responses and open-ended questions for qualitative responses. Results: Advisory panel ratings of ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ was reported across most items in all three intervention programmes. Overall results suggested that the intervention programmes content was rated to be suitable for children with autism spectrum disorder. Constructive comments were adopted to clarify the activities and structure of the intervention programmes. Final development of the intervention programmes is presented. Conclusion: This study provides confidence for the interventions to be incorporated into the future randomised controlled trial.

The Experience of Malaysian Occupational Therapists in Conducting Home Assessments and Home Visits with Older Clients

Introduction: Home visits are complex processes for clients and occupational therapists. Despite the benefits of home visits, the numbers of home visits being conducted are decreasing in international settings due to service constraints or client reluctance. Published international studies may not be applicable to Malaysia due to cultural and geodemographic differences relating to the home context. This study aimed to explore the experience of occupational therapists in Malaysia in conducting home visits. Materials and Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted with seven occupational therapists in one teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The group session was audio-recorded, transcribed, summarised and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Themes developed were: i) client factors inhibiting effective service provision, ii) uninformed policies and guidelines, and iii) professional identity and growth. Conclusions: Our study has revealed major challenges for Malaysian occupational therapists with regards to conducting home visits. Future studies should now evaluate factors underlying reluctance to participate in home visits and effective strategies to overcome these difficulties.