Critique of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)

The development and validation of measures for the assessment of functional status in children with physical disabilities has been recognized as a clinical and research priority by pediatric occupational and physical therapists. The authors of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) attempt to provide an approach for a functional assessment that is more objective and comprehensive than in previously developed measures. The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the PEDI for its potential applicability in the field of pediatric rehabilitation. Information is provided on the PEDI's purpose, content and scale development, standardization, psychometric characteristics, administration, scoring and examiner training required. The PEDI's strengths and weaknesses are summarized.