Assessment of people with PIMD
Status: Closed
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The focus of this research project is the assessment of people with PIMD. The first step was to conduct an international inventory. This took the form of an online survey in which professionals were asked what forms of assessment they use in their support of people with PIMD, to what end, and what difficulties they encounter.
A literature review
A literature review was then used to examine the quality of the instruments used, the main focus being on whether these instruments had been specifically developed for this target group and whether their psychometric qualities had been investigated. Next, the validity of the Behavioural Appraisal Scales (BAS) was analysed. This instrument was developed to measure the functional abilities of people with PIMD. We are now investigating how to adjust this instrument to make it even more suitable for use with the target group. The final step will be to develop a new version of the Behavioural Appraisal Scales, based on the feedback received from professionals.
Benefits to practice
As well as generating an overview of which assessment methods are currently in use and what difficulties professionals encounter when using them, this research project will also yield a new version of the Behavioural Appraisal Scales. This instrument will give insight into what individuals can and cannot do. Their support can then be fine-tuned in such a way that it will help them to reach their full potential.
About the researcher
What is your role within the Academic Collaborative Centre related to people with PIMD?
I am a senior researcher at the University of Groningen. The focus of my research is the assessment of people with PIMD. Assessment generates insight into these individuals’ abilities, preferences, wishes and needs, so that the support offered to them can be tailored accordingly.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope that more information becomes available about the quality of the assessment of people with PIMD. At present, very few assessment methods are available that have been developed specifically for this target group and analyzed for psychometric quality. I also want my research to contribute to the improvement of the psychometric quality of an instrument that measures functional abilities: The BAS-R. My aim is to strengthen the links between research and practice.
Research projects by Marleen binnen de AW-EMB