Assistive technology assessment tools for assessing switch use of children : A systematic review and descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND: Use of switches enables children with physical and multiple disabilities to mobilise, communicate, play and participate in schooling. A comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool is important to ensure children receive appropriate technology and achieve the best possible outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review assistive technology assessment tools which assess the switch use of children with physical and multiple disabilities. METHODS: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search of ten databases was performed in February 2013. Assessment tools were included if they met three key eligibility criteria: 1) the tool assessed the assistive technology needs of children with physical or multiple disabilities, 2) the tool could be applied to assess children's ability to use a switch, 3) the article was published in English in a peer reviewed journal. RESULTS: From eight articles included, six different assessment tools were reviewed for psychometric properties and compared to recommended content from background literature. From this review, it was found there are insufficient validated and reliable assessment tools to assess the switch use of children. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive and sensitive tool, with adequate psychometric testing, is required to assess the switch use of children with physical and multiple disabilities