Content validity of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test

School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. shar@unixg.ube.ca

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to assess the content validity of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT), a new screening tool designed to detect early signs of cognitive and neuromotor delays in infants with known risk factors. SUBJECTS. A multidisciplinary panel of 26 international experts, including researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, occupational therapy, developmental pediatrics, child neurology, and psychology, was selected to assess, review, and suggest modifications to the HINT. METHODS. A validity questionnaire that was keyed to the three parts of the HINT (background information, parent questionnaire, and infant assessment) and to individual items within each part was mailed to the selected content experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS. Twenty experts completed the validity questionnaires, and the remaining 6 experts provided written comments. The experts generally agreed that the items on the initial development edition of the HINT were clearly worded and free of cultural bias. Based on written feedback, additional background information items were added, a fifth question was added to the parent questionnaire portion, and 20 of the 22 infant assessment items were modified. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION. After receiving questionnaire responses and written comments from a panel of 26 experts, the original version of the HINT was modified and printed as development edition 2 in November 1993. This revised edition is currently being used to examine the reliability and validity of the HINT in assessing infants at risk.

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