Cognitive interviewing techniques used in developing questionnaires on functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury.

Abstract

© 2016 MA Healthcare Ltd. Background/Aims: This paper illustrates the application of a technique, cognitive interviewing, which was used in the development of three questionnaires to determine the views of use of functional electrical stimulation by people with spinal cord injury, health care professionals and researchers working in spinal cord injury. Methods: Three questionnaires for the three populations were developed in order to explore views about the current and future use of functional electrical stimulation. The questionnaires were reviewed and discussed by the team. Cognitive interviews were carried out at participants’ homes, university or workplace and each interview lasted a mean time of 65 minutes. The interviewer used ‘think aloud’ techniques. They were transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Results: Twelve participants (four people with spinal cord injury, four health care professionals and four researchers) from across the United Kingdom took part. The process identified several areas for modification, including clarification of words, format and legibility of questions, changes to sections, and the layout of the questionnaires. Conclusions: Cognitive interviewing ensured that the questionnaires were readable, clear and relevant, unambiguous and related to current clinical practice and research. The technique resulted in good quality questionnaires with enhanced patient-centred language.