Development, reliability, and validity of the telerehabilitation satisfaction questionnaire in neurological diseases

Background: Measuring satisfaction with telerehabilitation provides a way to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of both the technology used and the rehabilitation provided. On the other hand, valid and reliable tools are needed to evaluate satisfaction of patients receiving physiotherapy via telerehabilitation. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to develop Telerehabilitation Satisfaction Questionnaire (TrSQ) and evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods: Sixty-three patients with stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease participated in this study. Content validity was reviewed by a panel experienced in telerehabilitation. Construct validity of the model was investigated using and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA). Test-retest reliability and Internal consistency were used to evaluate the reliability of the TrSQ. Results: A one-factor structure was determined based on EFA. The structure fitted well in terms of the fit indices according to the confirmatory factor analysis results (x2/df = 1.016, p = 0.442, IFI=0.997, CFI=0.997, and RMSEA=0.016). The questionnaire was proven to have an acceptable reliability level (Cronbach's alpha = 0.858) and it was found that all items were necessary. Finally, an 11-item version was obtained and tested twice on 30 patients. The questionnaire was shown to have acceptable test–retest reliability (ICC=0.753). Conclusions: TrSQ can be used as a valid and reliable questionnaire in evaluating patient satisfaction with telerehabilitation in neurological diseases. However, in order for it to be widely applicable, adaptation to different languages is needed.