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Comparative Study
. 2015 Mar;21(3):176-84.
doi: 10.1089/tmj.2014.0011. Epub 2015 Jan 8.

Usability and reliability of a remotely administered adult autism assessment, the autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) module 4

Jamie L Schutte  1 , Michael P McCue, Bambang Parmanto, John McGonigle, Benjamin Handen, Allen Lewis, I Wayan Pulantara, Andi Saptono
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Usability and reliability of a remotely administered adult autism assessment, the autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) module 4

Jamie L Schutte et al. Telemed J E Health. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Module 4 is an autism assessment designed for verbally fluent adolescents and adults. Because of a shortage of available clinical expertise, it can be difficult for adults to receive a proper autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessment. A potential option to address this shortage is remote assessment. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility, usability, and reliability of administering the ADOS Module 4 remotely using the Versatile and Integrated System for Telerehabilitation (VISYTER).

Materials and methods: VISYTER consists of computer stations at the client site and clinician site for video communication and a Web portal for managing and coordinating the assessment process. Twenty-three adults with an ASD diagnosis participated in a within-subject crossover design study in which both a remote ADOS and a face-to-face ADOS were administered. After completing the remote ADOS, participants completed a satisfaction survey.

Results: Participant satisfaction with the remote ADOS delivery system was high. The kappa value was greater than 0.61 on 21 of 31 ADOS items. There was substantial agreement on ADOS classification (i.e., diagnosis) between assessments delivered face-to-face versus assessments delivered remotely (interclass coefficient=0.92). Non-agreement may have been due to outside factors or practice effect despite a washout period.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that an autism assessment designed to be delivered face to face can be administered remotely using an integrated Web-based system with high levels of usability and reliability.

Keywords: assessment; autism; e-health; reliability; technology; tele-assessment; telehealth; telemedicine; telepsychiatry; telerehabilitation.

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Figures

<b>Fig. 1.</b>
Fig. 1.
Components of an integrated Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Module 4 tele-assessment system.
<b>Fig. 2.</b>
Fig. 2.
Remote Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule administration from the clinician's perspective.
<b>Fig. 3.</b>
Fig. 3.
Remote Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule administration from the client's perspective.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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