Reliability and validity of the Mini-Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (Mini-EDACS) among Dutch preschoolers with cerebral palsy

PurposeThis study aimed to translate the English version of the Mini-Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (Mini-EDACS) into Dutch and assess its psychometric properties and applicability among preschool-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) in the Netherlands.MethodsForty-eight children with CP (18-36 months) were included. Inter-rater reliability of the Dutch version of the Mini-EDACS was assessed between two speech and language therapists (SLTs) and between two SLTs and parents. Construct validity was established by hypothesis testing regarding the expected strength of the correlation between Mini-EDACS level and sum score of (a) the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) and (b) the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS).ResultsThe level of agreement for Mini-EDACS level was almost perfect between SLTs (weighted kappa (k_w) = 0.83) and substantial between parents and SLTs (parents vs SLT-1: k_w= 0.77; parents vs SLT-2: k_w= 0.70).Kendall's tau-b correlation between Mini-EDACS and PEDI-EAT-10 was 0.66 (p < 0.001), slightly lower than hypothesized, and 0.52 (p < 0.001) between Mini-EDACS and MCH-FS, aligning with the hypothesis. Applicability was found to be good.ConclusionThe Dutch version of the Mini-EDACS showed sufficient inter-rater reliability, construct validity and applicability and can be used in clinical care in the Netherlands to promote unambiguous communication between healthcare professionals and parents.