Estimating the Economic Costs of Communication Disorders: A Tool Development and Pilot Testing Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47895/Keywords:
Abstract
Background. Communication disorders impose a significant financial burden on families, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where services are largely financed through out-of-pocket payments. In the Philippines, limited tools exist to estimate both the direct and indirect costs associated with these conditions.
Objective. The objective of the study is to develop and pilot test a valid survey tool for estimating the economic costs of communication disorders.
Methods. This study employed a descriptive design using primary-sourced data. An initial draft of the questionnaire was developed based on existing literature and was subjected to expert-driven content validation. The expertscreened version was pilot tested at the UP CAMP Clinic for Therapy Services – Pediatrics using the internet-based survey platform, Qualtrics. The respondents were then invited to a 30-minute group debriefing interview session with the research team and other fellow respondents.
Results. The questionnaire was marked with acceptable levels of validity. A total of 15 parents participated in the pilot testing, 10 of whom consented to the online synchronous interview. The average survey completion time was 47 minutes and 29 seconds (SD = 0:13:53). All respondents frequently chose among the pre-coded choices, but instances of confusion were noted on items requiring short-form answers. This was linked to the use of complex Filipino words and the vague or limited set of sample answers. Hence, the survey underwent modifications in terms of question type, word choice, and given examples.
Conclusion. The CoDES questionnaire shows preliminary evidence of content validity and feasibility for capturing the economic burden of communication disorders from a household perspective. However, further refinement and additional psychometric evaluation are needed to reduce respondent burden and establish reliability prior to largescale economic studies.