Acceptability and content validity of MET-HV
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the acceptability and content validity of Multiple Errands Test – Hospital Version (MET-HV)
IRAS ID
311977
Contact name
Olga Karagiorgou Johnstone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research, Innovation and Clinical Effectiveness Department
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Executive functions are commonly impaired following brain injury resulting in difficulties with problem solving, making decisions, planning, flexible thinking, and social behaviour in everyday life. Executive functioning tests are usually administered in the controlled environment of the consulting room. However, these executive difficulties are often more obvious in the real world and as a result, these tests are not always accurate. The Multiple Errands Test (MET) was created to respond to this problem. In this test, individuals must carry out simple tasks in a shopping context whilst following simple rules. Various MET versions have been developed, including a hospital version (MET-HV) which allows the inclusion of a wider range of individuals. Although this is a promising measure, we are not yet sure what exactly it assesses in terms of executive functions, nor if it captures real-world behaviour. The current study aims to explore the views of health professionals, service users and carers about the MET-HV. Part 1 will recruit professionals to complete an expert rating task to investigate their views as to which executive functions are assessed by the MET-HV. Part 2 and Part 3 explore whether the MET-HV tasks are behaviours that take place in everyday life. Part 2 will take the form of focus groups among service users and carers, and Part 3 will recruit professionals to complete a questionnaire survey. Together, this will enhance our understanding of the acceptability and content validity of the MET-HV. Part 1 and Part 3 will not be described here, as they will be submitted to the Newcastle University Research Ethics Committee for review.
Lay summary of study results:
Some people with brain injuries have difficulties with memory, planning, and problem-solving in everyday life. Many tests exist to measure these difficulties, but most happen in a clinical setting, which may not always show real-life challenges. The Multiple Errands Test-Hospital Version (MET-HV) was designed to address this by asking people to complete everyday tasks—like buying items, collecting information, and being at certain places on time—while following simple rules. This test aims to better understand these difficulties to help develop useful support strategies.
This study asked people with brain injuries and carers of individuals with brain injuries what they thought about the MET-HV and its tasks. Two focus groups were held, one in person at Walkergate Park Hospital and one online. Participants included adults with acquired brain injuries and carers from hospital services and support groups.
The discussions were analysed using Framework Analysis, which helped identify common themes across participants’ views. Overall, participants felt the test tasks mostly reflected everyday activities but noted some tasks seemed outdated due to changes in technology and society (for example, financial transactions and communication). Many also highlighted challenges related to physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties—such as mobility issues, visual impairment, anxiety and stress—that could affect how well someone could do the tasks. They suggested the test could be improved with simpler language, larger text, and different formats to be more accessible.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0428
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion