Perceived benefits of word prediction intervention on written productivity in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus

Word prediction has been commonly used as a tool to enhance written productivity. However, the effectiveness of word prediction as a strategy to meet this targeted outcome has not been established. Using a single-subject alternating treatments design, this study evaluated the effect of word prediction on written productivity from the users' perspectives. Three girls and one boy aged 10–12 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of 20 days. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to measure changes in perception of written productivity. Analysis of individual participant data showed that participants perceived word prediction to have the potential to influence written productivity on some writing tasks. Quantitative analysis using a randomization test did not reveal any significant changes in COPM scores after using word prediction. The varied abilities of the participants in the study and the small sample size may be the reasons why statistical analysis did not show any changes. The limitations of this study included use of a copy task, lack of a supporting measure to COPM and limited generalizability. Further studies with a larger sample are necessary to explore the skills required for successful use of word prediction and the impact of word prediction on specific tasks. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.