A Study of Validity and Satisfaction of Tele-assessment

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the validity of two types of remote language screening tests (indirect questionnaire type vs direct observational type), and differences in performance of children as well as satisfaction of their mothers between these two types of remote language screening test. Methods: In total 40 children without any language deficits aged 3 to 6 and their mothers participated in this study. For statistical analysis, a Pearson correlation was conducted between the remote language screening tests (indirect questionnaire type and direct observation type); a PRES (Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale) to find out the concurrent validity, and a paired t-test was conducted to find out if there are significant differences in the performance of the children and satisfaction of their mothers between the two types of screening tests. Additionally as a qualitative analysis, mothers’ preference among two types of the test was asked using an open ended survey. Results: The two types of tests (indirect, direct) showed strong positive correlation with one another. Regarding concurrent validity, both test types showed strong positive correlation with a standardized language test as well. There was no significant difference between the two types in both the performance of the children and the satisfaction of mothers as well. However, 85% percent of mothers preferred the direct observation type citing better accuracy as their reasoning. Conclusion: It is hoped that remote language screening tests can contribute to the implementation of non-face-to-face screening in clinical settings since it is highly validated. Furthermore both two types of tests can be used and complement each other.