Developing a valid and reliable tool to assess competence in fabricating custom hand orthoses: self versus expert assessment — YRD
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  3. Developing a valid and reliable tool to assess competence in fabricating custom hand orthoses: self versus expert assessment

Developing a valid and reliable tool to assess competence in fabricating custom hand orthoses: self versus expert assessment (1859)

Dana Parkin 1 , Susan Miller 2 , Doug McKitrick 3 , Karen Long 4
  1. Royal Perth Hospital, Yokine, WA, Australia
  2. Education Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University Of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  3. UWA School of Medicine and Pharmacology, UWA, Perth, WA
  4. Occupational Therapy School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Perth, WA

·         Introduction / Background

Occupational therapists in the field of hand therapy are faced with the challenge of restoring hand function and returning patients to occupational pursuits. Custom hand orthosis fabrication is an integral intervention in optimising upper limb function. Increased importance is being placed on the development of this technical skill competency and more importantly the ability to test this in a valid and reliable manner.

·         Purpose of Project

The purpose of this research study is to develop a valid and reliable orthosis competency assessment, and use this to investigate the relationship between student self-rating and expert assessment of fabricating custom hand orthoses.

·         Methods 

The research is a quantitative, descriptive, correlational study. It will follow three stages. Firstly, the researcher will develop a competency checklist and global rating scale. Content and face validity will be checked with five expert hand therapy clinicians. In Stage 2, inter-rater reliability will be tested with five assessors. Finally, university students studying occupational therapy will be recruited to provide a self-made forearm orthosis, corresponding photographs and the completed orthosis assessment. One assessor will use the competency tool to assess student photos and the final splint product. Assessments will then be compared.

·         Predicted outcomes

An outcome of this study is to develop an orthosis fabrication competency assessment tool for students and junior occupational therapists to use in universities and clinical settings. It is hoped that the tool will increase self-reflection and analysis, and could potentially be used within a performance development framework, thereby  enhancing patient outcomes.