Development and Validation of a Computerised Self-Report Assessment Platform at STARTTS

Background: Paper-based questionnaires present challenges when assessing clients from CALD communities with limited traditions of written language. When interpreters are used to read questionnaires aloud, this may reduce... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Paper-based questionnaires present challenges when assessing clients from CALD communities with limited traditions of written language. When interpreters are used to read questionnaires aloud, this may reduce standardization, introducing uncertainty when comparing responses across time and between participants. Computerized administration of questionnaires allows items to be presented together with pre-recorded audio in the client's preferred language, preserving standardized presentation to non-literate individuals. One such platform (“MultiCASI”) is being trialled at STARTTS, in collaboration with refugee trauma services internationally.
Aims: 1) To assess the validity and acceptability of a computerized self-report assessment platform compared to paper-based questionnaires, for refugees presenting for counselling. 2) To identify areas for improvement in future implementations of computerized self-report assessment platforms.
Methods: A pilot study compared clients’ acceptability of the questionnaire administration between two groups of 30 participants: one group completed computerized questionnaires, the other paper-based questionnaires. The current study is comparing the acceptability and validity of these two forms of administration in a larger sample who are using both methods of questionnaire completion.
Results: The pilot study showed no significant differences in acceptability of the mode of questionnaire administration between groups. We will present data from the larger study on the procedural validity of the computerized format.
Discussion: Computerized administration of questionnaires provides a promising alternative to translated questionnaires for refugee clients with limited literacy. We will discuss our experiences with introducing the computerized platform to counsellors and clients, and our progress with developing a new, specialized computer platform for refugee services (“CAMLAP”).