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Background: The Demand Control Support model is useful for studying work-related stress. The combination of high demand and a low level of control generates "job strain" ("job iso-strain" if poor support is added), with implications for the worker's health and well-being. The aims of this study were to adapt, examine the factor structure of, and determine the reliability of, the Demand Control Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) short version for European Portuguese (DCSQ-PT). Methods: The scale was translated into Portuguese following a rigorous process and then applied to 501 workers from various professional sectors. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic, professional, and Demand Control Support data. Validation was based on reliability and validity tests. Results: The mean age of the sample was 41.8 ± 10.3 years, and 50.1% of the participants were female. The results reveal good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.807) and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a four-factor solution of the DCSQ-PT scale had a good fit to the data, as was the case for the original scale. The DCSQ-PT© with 16 items is composed of the following factors: social support at work; psychological demands; skill discretion; and decision authority. Conclusions: This validation allows an instrument to be obtained with 16 items for studying work-related stress in Portuguese workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to psychometrically evaluate and validate a Japanese version of the Social Functioning in Dementia scale (SF-DEM-J) and investigate changes in social function in people with dementia during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design: We interviewed people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia and their caregivers during June 2020–March 2021 to validate patient- and caregiver-rated SF-DEM-J and compared their scores at baseline (April 2020 to May 2020) and at 6–8 months (January 2021 to March 2021) during a time of tighter COVID-19 restrictions. Setting: The neuropsychology clinic in the Department of Psychiatry at Osaka University Hospital and outpatient clinic in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at Daini Osaka Police Hospital, Japan. Participants: 103 dyads of patients and caregivers. Measurements: SF-DEM-J, Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Apathy Evaluation Scale. Results: The scale's interrater reliability was excellent and test–retest reliability was substantial. Content validity was confirmed for the caregiver-rated SF-DEM-J, and convergent validity was moderate. Caregiver-rated SF-DEM-J was associated with apathy, irritability, loneliness, and cognitive impairment. The total score of caregiver-rated SF-DEM-J and the score of Section 2, "communication with others," significantly improved at 6–8 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The SF-DEM-J is acceptable as a measure of social function in MCI and mild dementia. Our results show that the social functioning of people with dementia, especially communicating with others, improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, probably as a result of adaptation to the restrictive life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Baby Preparation and Anxiety Scale (Baby-PAWS) is the only instrument focusing on expectant mothers' practical concerns about the transition to parenthood (being able to care for the baby, securing childcare, personal well-being, and partner involvement) and measuring these parameters. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of Baby-PAWS, by adapting it to the Turkish population. Method: Two hundred and twenty expectant mothers over the age of eighteen in the third trimester of pregnancy were included in our methodological study. The content and language of Baby-PAWS were also validated. Data were subsequently obtained through confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient test. Results: It was found that although the Turkish language version of Baby-PAWS did not have three sub-dimensions as in the original, the one-dimensional Baby-PAWS was a valid, reliable scale tool suitable for the Turkish population. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the revised scale was.85. Discussion and conclusion: The Turkish language version of Baby-PAWS is a suitable instrument in terms of language and content validity, and its single-factor structure can be applied to the Turkish population and correctly identify expectant mothers' concerns about self-care, partner/relationship issues, self-care, and relying on others to care for the baby after its birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Demand Control Support model is useful for studying work-related stress. The combination of high demand and a low level of control generates “job strain” (“job iso-strain” if poor support is added), with implications for the worker’s health and well-being. The aims of this study were to adapt, examine the factor structure of, and determine the reliability of, the Demand Control Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) short version for European Portuguese (DCSQ-PT). Methods: The scale was translated into Portuguese following a rigorous process and then applied to 501 workers from various professional sectors. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic, professional, and Demand Control Support data. Validation was based on reliability and validity tests. Results: The mean age of the sample was 41.8 ± 10.3 years, and 50.1% of the participants were female. The results reveal good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.807) and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a four-factor solution of the DCSQ-PT scale had a good fit to the data, as was the case for the original scale. The DCSQ-PT© with 16 items is composed of the following factors: social support at work; psychological demands; skill discretion; and decision authority. Conclusions: This validation allows an instrument to be obtained with 16 items for studying work-related stress in Portuguese workers.

Approximately 140 million women give birth each year worldwide, and women's perceptions of childbirth can be influenced in many ways. Traumatic childbirth perception is considered to be a woman's perception of the act of giving birth that occurs at any stage of the reproductive process, and it is a high incidence and harmful. The traumatic childbirth perception scale (TCPS) is helpful to improve the screening and identification of traumatic childbirths, and this study aims to translate it and evaluate its reliability and validity. This study followed the process of scale introduction and evaluation criteria, a modified version of the Brislin translation model to translate the scale. A total of 645 women from three populations were recruited to complete the questionnaire, which we evaluated for reliability and validity after cultural adaptation, including item analysis, test–retest analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, split-half reliability, content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion-related validity analysis, respectively. The results show that the Chinese version of TCPS has good reliability and validity, and can be used to determine the perceived level and severity of traumatic childbirth in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Oral Impact of Daily Performances (OIDP) is a dental patient–reported outcome measure (dPROM) for the estimation of oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and takes the frequency as well as the severity of problems into account; however, it is not available in German language. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the reliability and validity of the German version of the OIDP in patients of a private practice. Material and methods: Translation of the original OIDP version was performed by a forward–backward process. Reliability was evaluated in terms of construct stability (test–retest) for the single items and the sum scores. The responsiveness to change in oral health status was assessed by pre- and post-treatment comparison, in addition. Validity was assessed as convergent validity in comparison with other dPROMs (OHIP-14; GOHAI) and objective dental findings. Results: A total of 330 patients participated in this study (mean age: 42.0 (18.0)). The OHRQoL of the participants was relatively high (OIDP score 4.3 (SD 14.3), OHIP score 4.8 (SD 5.3), GOHAI score 54.2 (SD 5.4)). A moderate construct stability for the total OIDP-score (ICC 0.686) was found whilst reliability for the single items varied between 0.179 (social contact) to 0.559 (showing teeth). Significant correlations were found for OIDP and OHIP (p < 0.001; r = 0.361) and OIDP and GOHAI (p < 0.001; r = − 0.391) indicating moderate validity with a tendency to even stronger correlations for OIDP-s and OIDP-f (r ≥ 0.500). Conclusions: The German version of the OIDP demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity. OIDP’s general performance should be interpreted cautiously as the outcome was detected in a specifically healthy population. Clinical relevance: The OIDP is yet the only dPROM that evaluates both severity as well as frequency which makes validation interesting regarding specific target populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Demand Control Support model is useful for studying work-related stress. The combination of high demand and a low level of control generates "job strain" ("job iso-strain" if poor support is added), with implications for the worker's health and well-being. The aims of this study were to adapt, examine the factor structure of, and determine the reliability of, the Demand Control Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) short version for European Portuguese (DCSQ-PT). Methods: The scale was translated into Portuguese following a rigorous process and then applied to 501 workers from various professional sectors. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic, professional, and Demand Control Support data. Validation was based on reliability and validity tests. Results: The mean age of the sample was 41.8 ± 10.3 years, and 50.1% of the participants were female. The results reveal good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.807) and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a four-factor solution of the DCSQ-PT scale had a good fit to the data, as was the case for the original scale. The DCSQ-PT© with 16 items is composed of the following factors: social support at work; psychological demands; skill discretion; and decision authority. Conclusions: This validation allows an instrument to be obtained with 16 items for studying work-related stress in Portuguese workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The complete mesocolic excision competency assessment tool (CMECAT) is a novel tool designed to assess technical skills in minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision (CME) surgery. The aim of this study was to assess construct validity and reliability of CMECAT in a clinical context. Method: Colorectal surgeons were asked to submit video recorded laparoscopic CME resections for independent assessment of their technical abilities. The videos were grouped by surgeons' training level, and four established CME experts were recruited as CMECAT assessors. Extended reliability analysis (G‐theory) was applied to describe assessor agreement. Results: A total of 19 videos and 72 assessments were included in the analysis. Overall, technical skills assessed by CMECAT improved with increased training level: the experts scored significantly better than the untrained surgeons (3.3 vs. 2.5 points; p < 0.01). On right‐sided resections, significantly higher scores were reported with increased training level for all categories and sections, while for left‐sided resections, the variance across groups was smaller and significantly higher scores were only reported for oncological safety describing items. Overall, assessor agreement was high (G‐coefficient: 0.81). Conclusion: This study confirms that CMECAT can be applied to video recorded CME cases for technical skill assessment. Further, it can reliably assess technical performance in right sided CME surgery, where construct validity has now been established. More videos are required to evaluate its validity on left colonic CME. In the future, we hope CMECAT can improve feedback during CME training, serve as a tool in certification processes and contribute to distinguishing CME from conventional surgery in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The grazing behavior after bariatric surgery is significantly related to postoperative weight regain, and its incidence will increase with the extension of time after surgery. So it is particularly important to early detect and accurately evaluate the grazing behavior of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. At present, the assessment tools for grazing behavior in these patients in China are still lacking. Objective To translate the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire〔Rep (eat) -Q) 〕into Chinese and evaluate its reliability and validity among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods The Brislin's model of translation was adopted for translation. We developed the Chinese version of Rep (eat) -Q following the process of translation of the English version of the Rep (eat) -Q, back translation, expert review and a pilot study. On 2022-08-31, patients undergoing bariatric surgery admitted to the bariatric follow-up clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from March to August 2022 were selected for the study using convenience sampling. Then we used the general information questionnaire, Chinese version of Rep (eat) -Q and the 21-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) to conduct a survey among 294 patients undergoing bariatric surgery to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Rep (eat) -Q. Results According to the score of the Chinese version of Rep (eat) -Q, these patients were divided into high-score group (n=79) and low-score group (n=78) by the critical ratio. High-score group scored higher in each item of the Chinese version of Rep (eat) -Q compared with the low-score group (P

Aims: We aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of a Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool. Background: Assessment of nurses' knowledge and practices is critical in the prevention of Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries. Design: This was an instrument development and testing study. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of nurses (n = 189). The study was conducted in three phases between January and February 2021. In the first phase, multiple‐choice items contained within Aetiology/Risk Factors, Prevention Interventions, and Staging domains were created. In the second phase, content validity and criterion validity were evaluated, and the tool was pre‐tested. The third phase examined item difficulty, discrimination index and distractor quality. The test–retest method was used for reliability. Results: The Content Validity Index was found to be 0.75, 0.86 and 0.96 for the domains of Aetiology/Risk Factors, Prevention and Staging, respectively. The item difficulty values of the items were between 0.18 and 0.96. A positive, strong and significant relationship was found between the results and a positive, moderate and significant relationship between the tools administered for the proof of scale validity. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0.54. Conclusions: The tool is a suitable measurement instrument for use in nursing education, research and clinical settings. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries (MDRPIs) are a common and preventable issue in healthcare settings.Nurses' knowledge and practices are important in the prevention and management of MDRPIs.It is crucial to measure nurses' knowledge levels and practices on MDRPIs by using valid and reliable measurement tools. What this paper adds? The study developed and psychometrically tested a Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool.The Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool (MDPI‐ASSET) was shown to be a valid and reliable tool that can be used to evaluate knowledge and practices. The implications of this paper: The tool developed in this study can be adapted to different languages.The tool can be used in nursing practice, education and research to identify knowledge and practice gaps and focus areas on optimizing strategies to improve care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 110 million Farsi speakers worldwide have access to a growing mobile app market. Despite restrictions and international sanctions, Iran’s internal mobile health app market is growing, especially for Android-based apps. However, there is a need for guidelines for developing health apps that meet international quality standards. There are also no tools in Farsi that assess health app quality. Developers and researchers who operate in Farsi could benefit from such quality assessment tools to improve their outputs. Objective: This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the Mobile Application Rating Scale in Farsi (MARS-Fa). This study also evaluates the validity and reliability of the newly developed MARS-Fa tool. Methods: We used a well-established method to translate and back translate the MARS-Fa tool with a group of Iranian and international experts in Health Information Technology and Psychology. The final translated version of the tool was tested on a sample of 92 apps addressing smartphone addiction. Two trained reviewers completed an independent assessment of each app in Farsi and English. We reported reliability and construct validity estimates for the objective scales (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality). Reliability was based on the evaluation of intraclass correlation coefficients, Cronbach α and Spearman-Brown split-half reliability indicators (for internal consistency), as well as Pearson correlations for test-retest reliability. Construct validity included convergent and discriminant validity (through item-total correlations within the objective scales) and concurrent validity using Pearson correlations between the objective and subjective scores. Results: After completing the translation and cultural adaptation, the MARS-Fa tool was used to assess the selected apps for smartphone addiction. The MARS-Fa total scale showed good interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.89) and good internal consistency (Cronbach α=.84); Spearman-Brown split-half reliability for both raters was 0.79 to 0.93. The instrument showed excellent test-retest reliability (r=0.94). The correlations among the MARS-Fa subdomains and the total score were all significant and above r=0.40, suggesting good convergent and discriminant validity. The MARS-Fa was positively and significantly correlated with subjective quality (r=0.90, P<.001), and so were the objective subdomains of engagement (r=0.85, P<.001), information quality (r=0.80, P<.001), aesthetics (r=0.79, P<.001), and functionality (r=0.57, P<.001), indicating concurrent validity. Conclusions: The MARS-Fa is a reliable and valid instrument to assess mobile health apps. This instrument could be adopted by Farsi-speaking researchers and developers who want to evaluate the quality of mobile apps. While we tested the tool with a sample of apps addressing smartphone addiction, the MARS-Fa could assess other domains or issues since the Mobile App Rating Scale has been used to rate apps in different contexts and languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moorthy checklist (MC) and laparoscopic skill competency assessment tool (LS-CAT) are tools commonly used to evaluate the quality of laparoscopic suturing. The current assessment model is single measurement by multiple raters. Our aim is to examine the reliability of the current assessment model and tools.Methods: With IRB approval, participants of three different backgrounds, namely medical students, trainees, and surgeons, were enrolled. The participants each accomplished a standardized laparoscopic suturing task. The performances were video-recorded and reviewed with LS-CAT and MC independently by three blinded raters. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.Results: 26 participants were enrolled, comprising 10 students, 10 trainees and 6 surgeons. In regard of inter-rater reliability, ICC values (95% CI) were 0.909 (0.768-0.961) and 0.868 (0.608-0.948) in LS-CAP and MC, respectively. For students, ICC values were 0.908 (0.682-0.976) and 0.815 (0.408-0.951) in LS-CAT and MC, respectively. For trainees, ICC values were 0.812 (0.426-0.947) and 0.717 (0.102-0.925), respectively. For surgeons, ICC values were 0.720 (0.064-0.955) and 0.868 (0.608-0.948), respectively. In regard of intra-rater reliability, ICC values of the mean scores from the three raters were 0.956 (0.905-0.980) and 0.925 (0.842-0.966) in LS-CAP and MC, respectively.Conclusion: LS-CAT and MC are both qualified assessment tools for laparoscopic suturing. LS-CAT is more reliable particularly for medical students and trainees. The current assessment model of single measurement by multiple raters provides excellent reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (C-SIBDQ), and its measurement invariance across sex in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Between September 2018 and July 2021, 284 patients with IBD were recruited from a spleen and stomach clinic. All participants completed the C-SIBDQ, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9), and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated by testing frequencies and composition ratios for the minimum and maximum C-SIBDQ scores. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the C-SIBDQ’s factor structure and construct validity. Convergent validity was evaluated through examining bivariate correlations between the C-SIBDQ and the SF-12, PHQ-9, and GAD-7. Internal consistency reliability and retest reliability were evaluated by respectively calculating the Cronbach’s α and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) among a subsample (n = 79) after 2 weeks. The measurement invariance across sex was evaluated through multiple-group CFA. Results The C-SIBDQ scores showed no floor or ceiling effects and had a single-factor structure and good convergent validity, with significant correlations with the SF-12, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.920) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 959) were observed. The C-SIBDQ also showed measurement invariance across sex, and females showed higher C-SIBDQ scores than males. Conclusions The C-SIBDQ has high reliability, validity, and stability across sex, and can be used in clinics to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with IBD.

Introduction: In advanced stages, people with dementia (PwD) may develop feeding difficulties. The assessment of these difficulties is the first step towards an adequate intervention. The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (EdFED) is an instrument for assessing the feeding difficulties of older PwD. Objective: The objective of this observational, cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive study was to contribute to the adaptation of the EdFED to the Portuguese population and to analyze some of its psychometric properties, namely internal consistency and interobserver reliability. Methods: First, translation, cultural and linguistic adaptation, as well as validation were performed using an expert panel and calculation of the content validity index (CVI). Then the instrument was applied in 51 institutionalized older PwD (mean age 86.06 ± 6.77 years, 86.2% women). Results: The results showed excellent content validity, with a CVI of 0.950. The Portuguese version of the EdFED showed reasonable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.705) and very satisfactory interobserver reliability (Cohen’s κ = 0.882). Conclusion: The main results suggest that the Portuguese version of the EdFED is a reliable instrument that allows the assessment of eating/feeding difficulties among institutionalized older PwD.

Background: Health promotion of children and adolescents through participation in purposeful and meaningful activities is one of the focuses of occupational therapy. In this study, in line with the Iranian culture, a tool for assessment of Iranian adolescents' participation in daily occupations/activities was developed and validated. Method: An exploratory sequential mixed method was used to develop and validate the tool. Content and structural validity and reliability of the initial version were estimated. Results: During the validation process, the items were reduced to 54. Data were collected from 481 adolescents to investigate factor analysis. According to principal component analysis, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index was 0.88, and the analysis yielded seven factors explaining 47.2% of the total variance. The tool showed excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Conclusion: This newly developed Participation Assessment Tool for Iranian adolescents is a valid and reliable measure for assessing the participation of this group in daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design and test the interrater reliability of a Street Food Stand Assessment Tool (SFSAT). Variables were adapted from validated assessment tools, field observations, and the Mexican Dietary Guidelines. Two researchers tested the SFSAT by observing street food stands (SFS) in 3 middle- to high-income neighborhoods. Mexico City. Fifty-two SFS. The SFSAT contains 14 items for SFS characteristics and 44 items for food and beverages. Percent agreement and kappa interrater reliability scores were calculated for each variable. Almost perfect kappa interrater reliability scores (0.81–1.00) were reported for 62.7% of SFS characteristic items. Interrater reliability scores for food and beverage availability and variety ranged from 0.00–1.00, whereas the percent agreement for these items ranged from 59.6%–100.0%. The SFSAT is a reliable assessment tool to measure the availability and variety of street foods and beverages in Mexico City. Future research can update and adapt the SFSAT to the street food environment of other cities—in Mexico and abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study reports the evaluation of the original 31-item Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire (QODD) using a sample of caregivers of recently deceased older adults in China, and the validation of a shortened version (QODD-C) derived from the original scale. Methods: The translation was performed using a forward and back method. The full scale was tested with 212 caregivers of decedents in four regions of China. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the model fit between the full Chinese version and the original conceptual model and generated the QODD-C. The psychometric analysis was performed to evaluate the QODD-C's internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, and discriminant validity. Results: A five-domain, 18-item QODD-C was identified with excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.933; split-half Pearson's value = 0.855). The QODD-C total score was significantly associated with constructs related to five domains. The caregiver's relationship with the decedent, the decedent's age at death, death reason, and death place was significantly associated with the QODD-C total score. Significance of results: The QODD-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the quality of dying and death among the Chinese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (C-SIBDQ), and its measurement invariance across sex in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods: Between September 2018 and July 2021, 284 patients with IBD were recruited from a spleen and stomach clinic. All participants completed the C-SIBDQ, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-9), and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated by testing frequencies and composition ratios for the minimum and maximum C-SIBDQ scores. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the C-SIBDQ's factor structure and construct validity. Convergent validity was evaluated through examining bivariate correlations between the C-SIBDQ and the SF-12, PHQ-9, and GAD-7. Internal consistency reliability and retest reliability were evaluated by respectively calculating the Cronbach's α and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) among a subsample (n = 79) after 2 weeks. The measurement invariance across sex was evaluated through multiple-group CFA.Results: The C-SIBDQ scores showed no floor or ceiling effects and had a single-factor structure and good convergent validity, with significant correlations with the SF-12, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.920) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 959) were observed. The C-SIBDQ also showed measurement invariance across sex, and females showed higher C-SIBDQ scores than males.Conclusions: The C-SIBDQ has high reliability, validity, and stability across sex, and can be used in clinics to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objective: To test the psychometric properties of the entrustable professional activity assessment tool for clinical procedures to be administered to clinical trainers and students. Background: Students' ability to perform clinical procedures professionally and safely is a key concern for healthcare educators. The assessment of professional activities, in which entrustment is a key outcome, is crucial for determining the level of training and supervision of work‐based assessments. The entrustable professional activities for clinical procedures (EPA‐CP) have been used among clinical trainers, but it needs more psychometric testing. Design: The psychometric study used a cross‐sectional design. Methods: Students' self‐assessment (n = 302) and the supervisors' ratings on the students' performance in clinical procedures (n = 266) were used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the six‐item EPA‐CP assessment tool. Internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities of the assessment tool were examined. Convergent, known‐groups, analysis of structural validity were conducted to investigate the tool's construct and factorial structure. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was followed. Results: The EPA‐CP assessment tool demonstrated good reliability, satisfactory convergent validity and significant differences in the known‐group comparison. The exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses indicated the cogent constructs of the assessment tool when administered to students and their supervisors. Conclusion: The EPA‐CP assessment tool is a valid, reliable and user‐friendly tool for evaluating healthcare students' capability to perform clinical procedures. This tool makes it possible for the precise assessment of learners in performing procedures in busy and dynamic clinical settings. Relevance to clinical practice: Reliable instruments are needed to effectively assess healthcare students' ability to perform clinical procedures and enable trainers to entrust students with the tasks. The results indicate that the EPA‐CP assessment is promising and may be used in the healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first batch of graduates in the country under the K-12 curriculum graduated in 2018. Thus, a call for an evaluation of students' acquired competency is essential. That's why, there is a need for the construction of assessment tools. In this study, a valid, reliable, and item quality achievement test in General Mathematics was developed. Eight experts examined the test for its improvement and refinement. The test was pilot-tested to 425 senior high school students, was item analyzed, and was subjected to a reliability test. Forty questions were included in the final form of the test. The average item difficulty was 0.40, which means intermediate while the average item distinctiveness was 0.34, which signifies well items. Moreover, the reliability coefficient of the test was 0.84, which indicates that the items of the constructed test have acceptable value for internal consistency. The result suggests that the developed test is an excellent tool for classroom assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of diabetes self-management instruments have been developed but few of them consist of the preparedness for diabetes self-management behavior. The novel psychometric evaluation tool "the LMC Skills, Confidence & Preparedness Index (SCPI)" measures three key aspects of a patient's diabetes self-management: knowledge of the skill, confidence in being able to perform skill and preparedness to implement the skill. The objective of this study was to translate, adapt and validate the SCPI for use in Chinese adult patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: This study followed the guideline recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Evidence Based Medicine Committee (AAOS) to indigenize the scale. Forward and back translation, and cross-cultural language debugging were completed according to the recommended steps. A convenience sample of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 375) were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital in Shanghai. The validity (criterion, discriminant validity, and construct validity), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and the interpretability of the instrument were examined. The content validity was calculated by experts' evaluation.Results: The Chinese version of SCPI (C-SCPI) has good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92. The ceiling effects of the preparedness subscales is 21%. The criterion validity of three dimensions of C-SCPI was established with significantly moderate correlations between the DKT, DES-SF and SDSCA (p < 0.05). The S-CVI of the whole scale was 0.83. Except for entry 21, the I-CVI values of all entries were greater than 0.78. The C-SCPI has also shown good discriminative validity with statistically significant differences between the patients with good and poor glycemic control. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that modified results indicate that the fitting degree of the model is good, χ2/df = 2.775, RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.903, GFI = 0.873, TLI = 0.889, IFI = 0.904. The test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.61 (p < 0.01).Conclusion: We established a Chinese version of SCPI through translation and cross-cultural adaptation. The C-SCPI is reliable and valid for assessment of the level of self-management in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Despite the importance of health literacy (HL) in health outcomes, most HL assessment tools are developed and used in first world, English speaking countries, and their applicability in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unclear. The purpose of this review is to examine valid and reliable tools used to assess HL among people in LMICs. Methods: A literature search of three databases was conducted with 20 final articles. Results: Current HL assessment tools used in LMICs rely on participant's literacy and focus on measuring people's functional HL rather than reflecting the evolving definitions of HL. Conclusions: More research needs to be conducted to better understand how people with limited literacy acquire and apply HL, and HL assessment tools need to assess various aspects of HL beyond one's functional HL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ) into Italian and to evaluate its psychometric properties in an Italian population of patients with psychiatric disorders. The translation process from English into Italian was carried out in agreement with the authors of the original scale. The study was carried out in three psychiatric facilities, with 33 patients with psychiatric diagnoses, who were older than 18 years, and two raters (6 total) for each facility in Rome, Italy. The psychometric properties were assessed via its internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliability and construct validity through comparisons with the Barthel Index, Short Form-12, Beck Depression Inventory-II and Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Results showed internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha, was significant at 0.92. In the test-retest reliability evaluation, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 and the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.99. The Spearman correlation showed significant results in the comparison with the CAN (r = −0.45, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the IT-VQ may be a valid, standardized and reliable evaluation tool that can be used to detect volitional performance improvements in a population of Italian psychiatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare psychometric properties of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Constant–Murley scale, in patients with degenerative rotator cuff disease (DRCD). Design: Longitudinal cohort. Setting: One French university hospital. Methods: The scales were applied twice at one-week interval before physiotherapy and once after physiotherapy two months later. The perceived improvement after treatment was self-assessed on a numerical scale (0–4). The test–retest reliability of the DASH, SPADI and Constant–Murley scales was assessed before treatment by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The responsiveness was assessed by the paired t-test (P < 0.05) and standardized mean difference (SMD). The correlation between the percentage of variation in scale scores and the self-assessed improvement score after treatment was measured by the Spearman coefficient. Results: Fifty-three patients were included. Twenty-six only were available for reliability. The test–retest reliability was very good for the DASH (ICC = 0.97), SPADI (0.95) and Constant–Murley (0.92). The scale score was improved after treatment for each scale (P < 0.05). The SMD was moderate for the DASH (0.56) and SPADI (0.56) scales, and small for the Constant–Murley (0.44). The correlation between the percentage of variation in scores and self-assessed improvement score after treatment was high, moderate and not significant for the SPADI (0.59, P < 0.0001), DASH (0.42, P < 0.01) and Constant–Murley scales, respectively. Conclusion: The test–retest reliability of the DASH, SPADI and Constant–Murley scales is very good for patients with DRCD. The highest responsiveness was achieved with the SPADI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective HEARTSMAP is a tool developed to facilitate assessment and management of paediatric mental health (MH) patients by emergency department (ED) clinicians. We evaluate the inter-rater reliability of HEARTSMAP when administered by clinicians of various backgrounds. Methods In a cross-sectional study initiated in 2016, collaborating clinician evaluators (n=16) applied the HEARTSMAP tool to evaluate a set of 50 fictional clinical vignettes, digitally in an approach consistent with the anticipated tool's access and usage in clinical settings. Evaluators came from different types of health centres from across the province of British Columbia (Canada), including remote/rural, regional and urban academic health centres. Results We report moderate to near excellent agreement, overall among clinicians for all 10 of the tool's psychosocial sections (κ=0.43 to 0.93) and domain scores (κ=0.75 to 0.90), with acceptable agreement across all tool-triggered service recommendations (κ=0.36 to 0.65). Conclusions Our findings show that HEARTSMAP may be reliably used by ED clinicians in assessing MH issues among youth. Results from this study will assist in informing the wider clinical implementation of HEARTSMAP as a standard assessment tool, in diverse emergency care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) to the Italian culture was performed by Oxford University Innovation in 2008, but this version has never been validated. Therefore, we performed the process of validation of the Italian version of the PDQ-39 (PDQ-39-IT) following the "Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments" checklist. The translated PDQ-39-IT was tested with 104 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) who were recruited between June and October 2017. The mean age of the participants was 65.7 ± 10.2 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 7.4 ± 5.3 years. The internal consistency of the PDQ-39-IT was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and ranged from 0.69 to 0.92. In an assessment of test-retest reliability in 35 of the 104 patients, the infraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 for the various subitems of the PDQ-39-IT (all p < 0.01). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for the validity of the PDQ-39-IT and the Italian version of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) was - 0.50 (p < 0.01). The results show that the PDQ-39-IT is a reliable and valid tool to assess the impact of PD on functioning and well-being. Thus, the PDQ-39-IT can be used in clinical and research practice to assess this construct and to evaluate the overall effect of different treatments in Italian PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Georgian version of Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE) was validated. • The questionnaire showed good reliability and validity measures. • A Cronbach's alpha of the Georgian version of the SSE was 0.854. • Georgian version of the SSE can adequately assess an epilepsy-related stigma. Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE), initially developed in Brazil, is accepted worldwide as a sensitive tool for assessing epilepsy-related stigma. We adapted and validated a Georgian version of SSE. The SSE originated in Brazil and was translated into Georgian by three independent experts through forward and backward translation. The final version was generated for validation after handling gross or conceptual inconsistencies between the source and the new format. We used Cronbach's alpha to assess the internal consistency of the Georgian version of SSE. To explore the construct of SSE subscales in the Georgian version, we used principal components and factor analysis. Varimax rotation was applied. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure and Bartlett's test of sphericity were employed to assess the sampling adequacy. A probability <0.05 was considered statistically significant. 87 adults, 32 (37 %) with epilepsy and 55 (63 %) without epilepsy were enrolled. The overall mean score of SSE was 19.5 (SD 10.1; min. 2, max. 53), and the differences between people with [20.7 (SD 8.9; min. 2, max. 53)] and without epilepsy [17.5 (SD 10.4; min. 3, max. 42)] were not statistically significant. Cronbach's alpha for the overall sample was 0.854; for the epilepsy cohort it was 0.876, and for individuals without epilepsy 0.823, indicating good SSE internal consistency. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure was 0.705 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was 926.2 (df 276; p < 0.001), suggesting acceptable sample adequacy. The Georgian version of the SSE is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing epilepsy-related stigma determinants among the country's population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The primary goal is the indexation of validated methods used to assess surgical competency in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) residents. Secondary goals include assessment of the reliability and validity of these tools, as well as the documentation of specific procedures in ORL-HNS involved. Data Sources MEDBASE, OVID, Medline, CINAHL, and EBM, as well as the printed references, available through the Université de Montréal library. Review Methods The PRISMA method was used to review digital and printed databases. Publications were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers, and selected articles were fully analyzed to classify evaluation methods and categorize them by procedure and subspecialty of ORL-HNS involved. Reliability and validity were assessed and scored for each assessment tool. Results Through the review of 30 studies, 5 evaluation methods were described and validated to assess the surgical competency of ORL-HNS residents. The evaluation method most often described was the combined Global Rating Scale and Task-Specific Checklist tool. Reliability and validity for this tool were overall high; however, considerable data were unavailable. Eleven distinctive surgical procedures were studied, encompassing many subspecialties of ORL-HNS: facial plastics, general ear-nose-throat, laryngology, otology, pediatrics, and rhinology. Conclusions Although assessment tools have been developed for an array of surgical procedures, involving most ORL-HNS subspecialties, the use of combined checklists has been repeatedly validated in the literature and shown to be easily applicable in practice. It has been applied to many ORL-HNS procedures but not in oncologic surgery to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of study was to design a valid and reliable tool for assessing the occupational therapists’ clinical competency. Materials & Methods: It was a tool-making study. Many clinical competency statements were extracted from evidences and with two expert-panels helped to emerge a questionnaire with sixty-six statements in seven categories. Face and content validity were confirmed by Lawshe method. Reliability was confirmed by pilot study, test-retest and internal consistency. Results: Occupational therapists’ clinical competency assessment tool was made with 54 questions in seven categories (critical thinking, practice process, effective communication, professional responsibilities, management of practice environment, practice knowledge, engage in professional development). Face and content validity confirmed by 15 experts CVR=0.84. Reliability (stability) was approved by pilot study, test-retest and Pierson correlation coefficient 0.995 and Cronbach’s alpha 0.973 confirmed internal consistency. Conclusion: Appropriate tool to assess the occupational therapists’ clinical competency was made with 54 statements in seven categories. Its validity was approved by Lawshe method and reliability was approved by pilot study in 30 people.

Background The validity and reliability of the objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) with nursing students, accordingly to the published evidence, were analyzed. Methods A systematic review was developed. This study followed the methodology proposed in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Plus, Scielo, Dialnet, Lilacs, and Cuiden Plus. Studies were included if they developed an OSCE, described validity and/or reliability of an OSCE, and used nursing student as sample. Studies were excluded when they were written in languages other than English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Catalan. The search was conducted up to and including April 25, 2016. Results Nineteen studies were included in the review. The quality of studies was mixed, and risk of bias was moderate to high. The characteristics of the OSCE were variable and move away to the original model. The validity and reliability were adequate in the majority of the studies. Conclusion The OSCE is a valid and reliable evaluation system to assess nursing students' competences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective measurement of simulation performance requires a validated and reliable tool. However, no published Italian language assessment tool is available. Translation of a published English language tool, the Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale (GRS), may lead to a validated and reliable tool. After developing an Italian language translation of the English language tool, the study measured the reliability of the new tool by comparison with the English language tool used independently in the same simulation scenarios. In addition, the validity of the Italian language tool was measured by comparison to a skills score also applied independently. The correlation coefficient between the Italian language overall GRS and the English language overall GRS was 0.82 (adjusted 95 % confidence interval: 0.62-0.92). The correlation coefficient between the Italian language overall GRS and the skill score was 0.85 (adjusted 95 % confidence interval 0.68-0.94). This study demonstrated that the Italian language GRS has acceptable reliability when compared with the English language tool, suggesting that it can be used reliably to evaluate the performance during simulated emergencies. The study also suggests that the tool has acceptable validity for assessing the simulation performance. The study suggests that the Italian language GRS translation has reasonable reliability when compared with the English language GRS and reasonable validity when compared with the assessment of the skills scores. Data suggest that the instrument is adequately reliable for informal and formative type of examinations, but may require further confirmation before use for high-stake examinations such as licensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este artículo se presenta la construcción y validación inicial del instrumento GHYCAL (Gestión de la Higiene y Calidad), aplicable en el diagnóstico de los 7 planes previos de higiene y trazabilidad, necesarios para implantar un protocolo Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control (HACCP) en cualquier empresa del sector agroalimentario. Para su construcción se elaboró un primer instrumento que contenía 78 criterios relacionados con gestión de la higiene en la industria agroalimentaria, que fue sometido a un proceso de validación de contenido por expertos conocedores de temas relacionados con inocuidad, seguridad alimentaria e higiene de alimentos, utilizando la metodología conocida como sesiones Delphi; posteriormente, se realizó el cálculo de confiabilidad utilizando como medida de consistencia interna el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, mediante la aplicación del instrumento en 53 empresas del sector agroalimentario; por último, se determinó la validez de criterio, comparando los resultados de aplicación del instrumento GHYCAL con los resultados de aplicación del instrumento Safety and Quality on Food (S&Q), en las mismas 53 empresas del sector agroalimentario. El instrumento final compuesto por 77 ítems contenidos en 7 sets de preguntas que corresponden a los mismos prerrequisitos establecidos en el protocolo HACCP, obtuvo valores de alfa de Cronbach entre 0,83 y 0,94 para los sets de preguntas y de 0,98 para el total del cuestionario, con respecto a la evidencia relacionada con el criterio, los resultados similares permiten adoptar el concepto de validez concurrente.Neste artigo se apresenta a construção e validação inicial do instrumento GHYCAL (Gestão da Higiene e Qualidade); aplicável no diagnóstico dos 7 planos prévios de higiene e rastreabilidade, necessários para implantar um protocolo de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (HACCP) em qualquer empresa do setor agroalimentício. Para a sua construção foi elaborado um prímeiro instrumento que continha 78 criterios relacionados com a gestão da higiene na indústria agroalimentícia, que foi submetido a um processo de validação do conteúdo por expertos conhecedores de temas relacionados com a inocuidade, segurança alimentar e higiene de alimentos, utilizando a metodología conhecida como sessões Delphi; posteriormente foi realizado o cálculo de confiabilidade utilizando como medida de consist&etilde;ncia interna o coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, mediante a aplicação do instrumento em 53 empresas do setor alimentício; por último, foi determinada a validade do critério, comparando os resultados de aplicação do instrumento GHYCAL com os resultados de aplicação do instrumento Safety and Quality on Food (S&Q), nas mesmas 53 empresas do setor agroalimentício. No instrumento final conformado por 77 itens distribuídos em 7 sets de perguntas que correspondem aos mesmos pré-requisitos establecidos no protocolo HACCP, se obtiveram valores de alfa de Cronbach entre 0,83 e 0,94 nos sets de perguntas y de 0,98 no total do questionário, ao respeito á evidencia relacionada com o criterio, os resultados similares permitem adotar o conceito de validade concurrenteThis article presents the construction and initial validation of the instrument "GHYCAL" (Hygiene and Quality Management) which allows preliminary assessment of the 7 previous hygiene and traceability plans, needed to implement a protocol of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in any company in the food industry to construct it, an initial instrument containing 78 criteria related to hygiene management in the food industry was developed, and it was subject of a process of content validation by experts on innocuity issues, food safety and food hygiene, using the methodology known as Delphi sessions, and thereafter, the calculation of reliability was performed using as a measure of internal consistency the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, by applying the instrument in 53 food businesses and, finally the criterion validity was determined by comparing the results of the application of the GHYCAL instrument with the results of application of the instrument on Food Safety and Quality (S & Q) in the same 53 food businesses. The final instrument consists of 77 Ítems contained in 7 sets of questions that correspond to the same prerequisites established in the HACCP protocol, getting Cronbach's alpha values between 0.83 and 0.94 for the set of questions and 0.98 for total instrument, regarding the evidence related to the criteria, similar results can adopt the concept of concurrent validity

Purpose: To validate the Quality of Dying and Death (QoDD) instrument for health professionals (QoDD-D-MA) and to test its feasibility in 2 German palliative care units (PCUs). Methods: The QoDD was translated from English to German and then retranslated following European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines. Data were collected in 2 German PCUs to calculate aspects of validity and reliability. Results: Mean total score was 83.05 (range 49-100; N = 232). The QoDD-D-MA showed satisfactory psychometric properties, Cronbach α = .830; interrater reliability r = .245 (P < .01). The QoDD-D-MA was independent of patients’ demographic and clinical aspects. Some challenges occurred when applying the instrument. Conclusions: Feasibility could be improved by adapting the QoDD-D-MA to create a self-assessment version and finding a solution for items that result in many missing data. Future research should validate the QoDD-D-MA in other care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collecting reliable and valid symptom information from patients is critical for assessing psoriasis severity in clinical research.Objective: To evaluate measurement properties of a new patient-reported outcome (PRO), the Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD).Methods: One hundred six US patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis completed two versions of the PSSD [a 24-hour recall (PSSD-24h) and 7-day recall (PSSD-7d)] using a 0–10 numerical rating scale. Reliability (test-retest and internal consistency), validity (convergent, divergent and known-groups), responsiveness, and version equivalence were evaluated. Minimally important difference was estimated.Results: Based on exploratory factor analysis and clinical input, symptom, sign, and total severity scores were established. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.944) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.824) were acceptable. Correlations with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (0.489 to 0.644) indicated convergent validity, while low correlations (< 0.30) with several Short Form (SF)-36 scales indicated divergent validity. PSSD scores differed when patients were categorized by Body Surface Area, DLQI, and Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores. PSSD-24h and PSSD-7d versions were equivalent (Pearson correlations ≥ 0.953).Limitations: PSSD responsiveness should be evaluated in patients receiving treatment.Conclusion: The PSSD is reliable and valid in measuring symptoms/signs of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was undertaken to develop and validate an instrument for gerontological policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to comprehensively assess the nature and severity of problems experienced by older adults. The Comprehensive Ageing Problem Scale (CAPS) for older adults living in the community was created as a reliable and valid instrument that is easy to use. A cross-sectional strategy was utilized, in which a total sample of 1060 older South Korean adults was selected (through a proportionate random-stratified sampling method) from four regions nationwide. The psychometric properties of the instrument were verified using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To achieve cross-validity, the total sample was randomly divided into two groups. The first group (for the EFA) was employed to identify the factor structure of the initial scale. The second group (for the CFA) was used to confirm the factor structure of the revised scale with the first group. The final version of the 19-item CAPS with four factors showed good internal consistency and a CFA confirmed the acceptability of the model fit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of the study was to find a reliable and valid assessment tool for evaluating shoulder function. 24 patients with proximal fractures of the humerus (33-86yrs) took part in the study. Four assessment tools were used; Constant score, four standardised shoulder function tests and two ADL questionnaires were evaluated in relation to intra-and inter-reliability. The data was analysed by correlation, Altman’s agreement and kappa. There were large variations in single measurements for the Constant score, 95 percent confidence interval (-10,9 - +10,3 points). The four function tests: intra-reliability 0,74–0,96 (Kappa), inter-reliability 0,36-069 (Kappa). Four ADL functions: 0,60-0,88 (Kappa). The correlation between Constant score, two function tests and four ADL functions: 0,60-0,88. The investigation suggests that there is good correlation between standardised shoulder function tests, ADL questionnaires and Constant score. There is reason to believe that the four function tests are useful tools in assessing shoulder function in the individual patient with proximal fracture of the humerus, providing the evaluation is undertaken by the same physiotherapist.

Context The quality of dying and death (QOD) influences end-of-life care for patients and their relatives. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no validated standard instruments for evaluating the QOD of patients in palliative care units (PCUs) in Germany. Objectives This study aimed to validate the German version of the multidimensional questionnaire “Quality of Dying and Death” for informal caregivers (QODD- D eutsch- Ang ehörige [QODD-D-Ang]) and provide a detailed report on its validity and reliability. Methods The QODD was forward/backward translated following the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines. Data collected in two German palliative care units ( N = 226) with the QODD-D-Ang were used to calculate the QODD-D-Ang total score (TS) and to define reliability and validity, as well as acceptance and burden for informal caregivers. Frequencies, means, and SDs of various patient data related to care and disease were calculated to describe the study population and to look at group differences. Results The mean TS of 175 participants was 75.72 (range 38–99; minimum 0 to maximum 100; higher scores indicate better QOD). The QODD-D-Ang showed good internal consistency for 27 items (Cronbach's alpha 0.852). Factors extracted by factor analysis could not be usefully interpreted. The TS of the QODD-D-Ang correlated substantially with the Palliative care Outcome Scale ( r = 0.540), indicating good convergent validity. The QODD-D-Ang TS was stable for various demographic and clinical dimensions except for the amount of days on which informal caregivers visited patients, and, therefore, provided good discriminant validity. Conclusion Analyses of validity and reliability of the QODD-D-Ang showed satisfactory to good psychometric properties, meaning that the QODD can be recommended for standard implementation in German hospices and palliative care institutions to measure the QOD. Feasibility could be improved by adapting the instrument so that it may be administered with minimal demands on staff. When interpreting the results, it should be kept in mind that the QODD-D-Ang does not measure quality of care but the quality of the dying process as estimated by bereaved relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a shortened version of the Instrument of Diabetes Self-Care Agency (IDSCA). Methods: In the development of the shortened ver sion of IDSCA, intraclass correlation coefficient 2 (ICC2) analysis was done to determine items to be deleted. However, the 7 subscales were retained. The shortened IDSCA was evaluated for internal consistency, reproducibility, concurrent validity, criterion-related validity, and goodness of fit. Results: The shortened IDSCA included 35 items address ing 7 subscales. High ICC2 (.804) and a high Cronbach's alpha (.89) indicate internal consistency and reproducibility. A high correlation (.62) between the shortened version of the IDSCA and the Self-Care Agency Questionnaire indicated concurrent validity. Conclusion: The shortened IDSCA provides a reliable and valid measure of self-care agency of individuals with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]