The Lack of Cross-National Equivalence of a Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM-R) in Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelie M. C. Lange ◽  
Ron H. J. Scholte ◽  
Wim van Geffen ◽  
Reinier Timman ◽  
Jan J. V. Busschbach ◽  
...  

Abstract. This two-study report investigates the equivalence of the Dutch Therapist Adherence Measure Revised (TAM-R) to the US original. The TAM-R is a questionnaire measuring therapist adherence to the treatment model of Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Monitoring of therapist adherence is essential for evidence-based interventions to ensure the quality of the delivered treatment. International implementation of the TAM-R assumes cross-national equivalence, even though this assumption has never been investigated. In study 1 Rasch analysis was applied to 1,875 Dutch TAM-R reports and the response category frequency distributions of the items of 1,875 US TAM-R reports. Response frequencies were more heavily skewed in the US compared to the Netherlands and several items showed Differential Item Functioning (DIF). Study 2 investigated whether adaptations to the translation of the items and response categories could improve equivalence. For this purpose, 237 families were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 versions (original TAM-R, adapted items only, adapted items and response categories) and the analyses from study 1 were replicated. Results indicated that equivalence was not improved by the adapted translations. The article concludes with a discussion of several potential other sources of bias, such as differences in sample characteristics, implementation of MST, and response styles.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 427-431
Author(s):  
Aurelie M. C. Lange ◽  
Marc J. M. H. Delsing ◽  
Ron H. J. Scholte ◽  
Rachel E. A. van der Rijken

Abstract. The Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM-R) is a central assessment within the quality-assurance system of Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Studies into the validity and reliability of the TAM in the US have found varying numbers of latent factors. The current study aimed to reexamine its factor structure using two independent samples of families participating in MST in the Netherlands. The factor structure was explored using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in Sample 1 ( N = 580). This resulted in a two-factor solution. The factors were labeled “therapist adherence” and “client–therapist alliance.” Four cross-loading items were dropped. Reliability of the resulting factors was good. This two-factor model showed good model fit in a subsequent Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Sample 2 ( N = 723). The current finding of an alliance component corroborates previous studies and fits with the focus of the MST treatment model on creating engagement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Marte Ørud Lindstad ◽  
Carita Håkansson ◽  
Petra Wagman ◽  
Reinie Cordier

Background. Recently, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire developed in Sweden was translated into Norwegian. No studies to date have examined the measurement properties of the Norwegian version of this questionnaire. Aim. The study is aimed at examining the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire, the OBQ11-N. Methods. Along with sociodemographic data, 180 occupational therapy students enrolled at two Norwegian universities completed the OBQ11-N as well as one question each related to health and quality of life and some sociodemographic variables. Rasch analysis was employed for examining rating scale functioning, item and person validity, dimensionality, and differential item functioning. Results. Item categories were ordered, but there were potential gaps in the measurement of the construct. Person reliability was fair, whereas item reliability was low. Point biserial correlations were positive, indicating that all items contributed to the construct. Factor loadings were low for two items, and there were indices of a second underlying dimension and item redundancy. Many people were not aligned with the items, and some items functioned differently across various demographic variables. Conclusion and Significance. The OBQ11-N did not function as an adequate measure of occupational balance in a sample of students. Potentially, the detected measurement problems may be solved by adding more relevant items to a larger item pool, from which the best fitting items should be selected.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jørgen Sjaastad

This article presents the basic rationale of Rasch theory and seven core properties of Rasch modeling; analyses of test targeting, person separation, person fit, item fit, differential item functioning, functioning of response categories and tests of unidimensionality. Illustrative examples are provided consecutively, drawing on Rasch analysis of data from a survey where students in the 9th grade responded to questions regarding their mathematics competence. The relationship between Rasch theory and classical test theory is commented on. Rasch theory provides science and mathematics education researchers with valuable tools to evaluate the psychometric quality of tests and questionnaires and support the development of these.


2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 592-596
Author(s):  
Quinn Dufurrena ◽  
Kazi Imran Ullah ◽  
Erin Taub ◽  
Connor Leszczuk ◽  
Sahar Ahmad

BACKGROUND: Remotely guided ultrasound (US) examinations carried out by nonmedical personnel (novices) have been shown to produce clinically useful examinations, at least in small pilot studies. Comparison of the quality of such exams to those carried out by trained medical professionals is lacking in the literature. This study compared the objective quality and clinical utility of cardiac and pulmonary US examinations carried out by novices and trained physicians.METHODS: Cardiac and pulmonary US examinations were carried out by novices under remote guidance by an US expert and independently by US trained physicians. Exams were blindly evaluated by US experts for both a task-based objective score as well as a subjective assessment of clinical utility.RESULTS: Participating in the study were 16 novices and 9 physicians. Novices took longer to complete the US exams (median 641.5 s vs. 256 s). For the objective component, novices scored higher in exams evaluating for pneumothorax (100% vs. 87.5%). For the subjective component, novices more often obtained clinically useful exams in the assessment of cardiac regional wall motion abnormalities (56.3% vs. 11.1%). No other comparisons yielded statistically significant differences between the two groups. Both groups had generally higher scores for pulmonary examinations compared to cardiac. There was variability in the quality of exams carried out by novices depending on their expert guide.CONCLUSION: Remotely guided novices are able to carry out cardiac and pulmonary US examinations with similar, if not better, technical proficiency and clinical utility as US trained physicians, though they take longer to do so.Dufurrena Q, Ullah KI, Taub E, Leszczuk C, Ahmad S. Feasibility and clinical implications of remotely guided ultrasound examinations. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(7):592–596.


2020 ◽  
pp. 304-312

Background: Insult to the brain, whether from trauma or other etiologies, can have a devastating effect on an individual. Symptoms can be many and varied, depending on the location and extent of damage. This presentation can be a challenge to the optometrist charged with treating the sequelae of this event as multiple functional components of the visual system can be affected. Case Report: This paper describes the diagnosis and subsequent ophthalmic management of an acquired brain injury in a 22 year old male on active duty in the US Army. After developing acute neurological symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum. Emergent neurosurgery to treat the neoplasm resulted in iatrogenic cranial nerve palsies and a hemispheric syndrome. Over the next 18 months, he was managed by a series of providers, including a strabismus surgeon, until presenting to our clinic. Lenses, prism, and in-office and out-of-office neurooptometric rehabilitation therapy were utilized to improve his functioning and make progress towards his goals. Conclusions: Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors, and the vast majority are benign with excellent surgical prognosis. Although the most common site is the cerebellum, the visual pathway is also frequently affected. If the eye or visual system is affected, optometrists have the ability to drastically improve quality of life with neuro-optometric rehabilitation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (0) ◽  
pp. 56-63
Author(s):  
Laura Silvia Hernández Gutiérrez ◽  
Angélica García-Gómez ◽  
Argimira Vianey Barona Nuñez ◽  
Erick López Léon

The education based on simulation is an educationalstrategy where students learn from their errors, developing skills, knowledge, competences,etc. in a controlled environment. During the process of teaching by simulation, it is necessaryto execute various types of assessments (diagnostic, summative, formative) in order tomake adjustments or changes in the educational process of the students, therefore identifying areas of opportunity for improvement. With the simulation, different processes can be taught, like interprofessionalism and collaborative work. Nowadays, there is a major concern for added safety and the quality of care for the patients and their families. Therefore, a WHO study group determined the basic interprofessional competences, and has been given the task of disseminating and promoting interprofessional education. Some educational institutions in the US, Canada and Europe have integrated interprofessional and collaborative work in simulation practices. All the activity by simulation must be evaluated in order to provide feedback to the participants and establish improvement strategies. The assessment of the interprofessional work focuses on the evaluation of common skills and competencies among various health professionals.


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