Article

Currently, there is no internationally accepted way to measure the
competency of wheelchair service professionals. The International Society of
Wheelchair Professionals aims to develop a Wheelchair Service Provision - Basic
Test as a preliminary step towards establishing a certification process. METHOD:
A team of wheelchair service provision experts developed test questions and
conducted alpha and beta testing in order to validate them. Low-performing test
items were eliminated. A pilot test was then conducted, which focused on
developing a pass score, determining language barriers and validating the test as
a measure of competency. RESULTS: 90 participants completed one of three versions
of the Wheelchair Service Provision - Basic Test. A pass score of 70% was
established and 135 questions were accepted for the final test. Analysis of
variance indicated there was a difference in scores based on language (p =
0.001), but not based on experience level. This result motivated translation in
to the United Nations' official languages. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that
the Wheelchair Service Provision - Basic Test is a valid method for measuring
basic competency of wheelchair professionals. Additionally, researchers recommend
a skills assessment to help to ensure only qualified wheelchair professionals
receive the certificate. Implications for Rehabilitation Identify key steps in
contextually appropriate test development. Describe the components of a
contextually appropriate, reliable, and valid test for basic wheelchair service
provision. Identify methods used for contextually appropriate test validation.

Langue : ANGLAIS