Development of items that assess physical function in children who use wheelchairs

To assess the content, format, and comprehension of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric physical function related to mobility items for children who use wheelchairs (WCs). During a cognitive interview, 14 children, aged 8 to 12 years, who use WCs, verbalized their thoughts when answering PROMIS items. The questionnaire appraisal system was used to code summarized text from the interviews. The children requested items be more specific and include options for reporting adaptive ways of performing and participating. How they would answer the item depended on the situation and specific environmental supports and constraints they may have experienced. As rehabilitation professionals develop and use self-reported outcome measures, they should explore what is important to children who use WCs regarding their views on physical functioning, the influences of the environment, and variability in the use of devices to assist with functional mobility.