The Children's Eating and Drinking Activity Scale: Interrater reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness

Aim To assess the interrater reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness of the Children's Eating and Drinking Activity Scale (CEDAS). Method Interrater reliability was assessed using an online questionnaire completed by speech and language therapists working in hospital and community settings. Participants ( n = 39) applied CEDAS to 12 vignettes. Interrater reliability was calculated using Krippendorff's alpha ( α ). Additionally, CEDAS was applied retrospectively to consecutive speech and language therapy referrals at a single hospital ( n = 85, median age 11 years 2 months, range 1 week–17 years 1 month). Responsiveness was assessed by comparing median CEDAS scores at referral, after initial speech and language therapy assessment, and at discharge. The Functional Status Scale (FSS) feeding domain was used to evaluate concurrent validity. Results Interrater reliability was excellent (Krippendorff's α = 0.927). CEDAS was responsive to change, with expected score increases seen between referral and discharge (Z = −4.37, p < 0.001), and initial assessment and discharge (Z = −3.23, p < 0.001). Strong concurrent validity was established with the FSS ( r s = −0.77 to −0.99, p < 0.003). Interpretation CEDAS demonstrates excellent interrater reliability across clinical settings. It is a responsive tool with established construct validity when used in an acute hospital setting.