Version arabe du questionnaire diabetes attitude scale-3: fiabilité, validité et données normatives

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to translate and analyze the psychometric properties of the third version of the Arabic Diabetes Attitude Scale.MethodsA methodological study of psychometric validation of the scale according to the guidelines of Vallerand cross-cultural validation was conducted. Type 1 and type 2 diabetics, aged 18 and over, without cognitive impairment or altered mental status were recruited on a convenience-sampling basis. An Arabic-language self-administrated developed questionnaire including diabetics’ demographic and clinical data and the experimental third version of the Diabetes Attitude Scale was used. All Vallerand cross-cultural validation steps were completed except for convergent validity and confirmatory analysis.ResultsA sample of 333 diabetics was recruited. Reliability and validity of the experimental version of the scale were satisfactory. Correlations between test and retest dimensions were close to 1, and overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the experimental version was 0.769. The content validity index was 0.82 proving the accuracy of the concept measurements by the scale. Principal components analysis, by orthogonal Varimax rotation, produced nine factors. Correlation coefficients between the five dimensions of the theoretical model of the scale ranged from 0.002 to 0.367, confirming that each dimension measured a single content.ConclusionThe third version of the Arabic Diabetes Attitude Scale has been proven valid and reliable. It is ready for use in clinical practice.     

Knowledge,attitudes and acceptance toward Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: Perspectives of Muslim women and men

ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading risk factor for the development of anogenital cancers. Most Arab countries lack both HPV education and national HPV vaccination programs. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance toward HPV vaccination in men and women from Oman, a country in the Middle Eastern North Africa region.MethodsThis cross-sectional quantitative study used convenience sampling to recruit male and female participants, aged 18 years and above from all 11 governorates of Oman to complete a validated self-administered questionnaire online in the Arabic language. The questionnaire comprised five sections, with a total of 32 questions. The questionnaire, including Arabic and English versions, was content validated and piloted.ResultsA total of 1403 participants, including 952 parents and 369 healthcare providers, completed the survey. The results showed a lack of knowledge regarding HPV infection and vaccines, including among healthcare providers. Less than a quarter of the participants had heard of HPV infection, with digital sources of information being the most common. Factors such as being a woman or a healthcare provider or completing higher levels of education were independently and significantly positively association with HPV awareness (p < 0.001). The majority of the participants lacked vaccine safety knowledge, had concerns about the vaccine's side effects, and sought reassurance of its protection against HPV infection (62%, 71.5%, and 84.6%, respectively). Nevertheless, nearly two-thirds of the participants agreed to take the HPV vaccine, with support for both boys and girls being vaccinated. There was almost universal agreement among the participants regarding the need for parental and adolescent HPV educational programs.ConclusionOmani women and men showed a high level of acceptance and favorable attitude toward HPV vaccination. The study findings support future efforts to implement school and public-level HPV education and a national HPV vaccination program in Oman.     

Translation of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Score (APAIS) into the Amharic Version and Its Validation for Evaluation of Preoperative Anxiety

BackgroundPeri-operative anxiety is a vague, unpleasant feeling, the source of which is often nonspecific and unknown to the individual. It affects all aspects of anesthesia. Although the magnitude and consequences of preoperative anxiety are well documented in the developed world, there are limited studies conducted in Ethiopia. The primary aim of this study is to produce the Amharic version of APAIS and evaluate its validity in assessing the prevalence of preoperative anxiety in surgical patients.MethodsA cross-cultural adaptation process using a forward/backward translation of the APAIS scale was performed. The Amharic version was then tested in 365 sampled elective adult surgical patients scheduled for surgery at Tikur Anbessa specialized Hospital. The validity of the translated version was also checked by evaluating its psychometric properties of internal validity and acceptability.ResultThe results showed that the reliability of the APAIS-Amharic was high (Cronbach''s alpha of 0.87) and the data collected was a good fit (RMSEA of 0.04). In addition, the questionnaire was well-accepted 100% with no missing values for each dimension of the APAIS. The mean APAIS scores for total anxiety and desire for information were 11.6 and 6.0 respectively and 58.9% of the study participants had anxiety and those patients, who had some form of formal education, came from urban areas, had previous anesthesia experience and complications and who had average or high information requirement was more likely to be anxious.ConclusionAPAIS-Amharic is a reliable and acceptable tool for measuring patients'' preoperative anxiety and their need for information. It can be used routinely as a screening instrument at pre-anesthesia clinics to assess patients'' level of anxiety.     

Validation and psychometric properties of the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) in type 2 diabetes patients in Spain

AimsTo validate a translated and culturally adapted version of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale for use in Spanish population, and to examine the psychometric properties of this scale in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain.DesignThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a single university hospital in Spain. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus at least 1 year before inclusion, being treated with anti-diabetic medication were included.InterventionWe used the Spanish version of the scale to measure treatment adherence.Principal measurementsthree level categorical scale is broken down into low adherence (score of <6), medium adherence (score of 6 to <8) and high adherence (score of 8). To validate the questionnaire, we measured internal consistency through Cronbach's α, confirmed construct validity through an exploratory principal component analysis and assessed test–retest reliability.Results232 patients met the inclusion criteria. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.40 (95% CI 0.28–0.52). The exploratory principal component analysis showed three components. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.718 (95% CI 0.564–0.823).Conclusionsthe Spanish version of the Morisky Medication Adherence scale showed low internal consistency, the exploratory factor analysis identified three dimensions, and the test–retest reliability was acceptable, therefore, psychometric properties of MMAS-8 are not suitable for measuring medication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from Spain.     

Capacity of Palestinian primary health care system to prevent and control of non-communicable diseases in Gaza Strip,Palestine: A capacity assessment analysis based on adapted WHO-PEN tool

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing in low-income countries including Palestine. This study was conducted to assess the capacity of Palestinian primary health care system to prevent and control of NCDs. This cross-sectional study in which, the World Health Organization package of essential NCDs interventions (WHO-PEN) tool, was used to assess the capacity of primary health care centers (PHCs) to prevent and control of NCDs. All governmental PHCs (n = 52) in Gaza Strip, Palestine were included in the final analysis. The centers readiness score was calculated as the average of domains indices. Then, the indices were compared to an agreed cutoff at 70%. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Out of 52 PHCs, only 21 (40.4%) were considered ready to prevent and control of NCDs; the highest readiness score was 79.4% and the lowest score was 29.2%. Furthermore, all governorates were not ready to prevent and control of NCDs (The readiness scores were < 70%), distributed as follow: 68.6%, 68.1%, 67.7%, 62.5% and 56.4%, for Rafah, Gaza, Khan-Yunis, Deir Al Balah and North Gaza, respectively. The governorates were differed significantly in terms of availability of aneroid blood pressure measuring devices, electrocardiography devices, Glibenclamide and Salbutamol tablets, patients counseling for diabetes self-management, patients education for self-administration of insulin (P values <.05 for all). The current study demonstrated critical gaps in the governmental PHCs capacity to prevent and control of NCDs, as most of PHCs failed to reach the minimum threshold of the WHO-PEN standards.     

The STARK Study

Summary

The purpose of the STARK study (Short-Term Adherence Research in Kenya) was to identify factors that predict adherence to short-term drug regimens in Nairobi, Kenya. The participants (N = 357) in the study were recruited from the RAFIKI Foundation Clinic, a free primary healthcare clinic in Kibera, Nairobi's largest slum. Quantitative surveys were administered to all the participants regarding their adherence patterns and to a subgroup of mothers (N = 233) regarding their adherence in giving medicine to their children. Forty participated in four focus groups. Fifty-two percent of participants reported taking all of their prescribed medication and 47% took it until they felt better. Over 65% of mothers reported giving all prescribed medication to their children. The most frequently cited barriers to adherence included lack of food and clean water, stress, and financial problems. By identifying obstacles to adherence and strategies to overcome them, this study showed that a community-based clinic with committed healthcare workers in Kenya can empower an economically disadvantaged population to be adherent.     

A cross‐sectional study of barriers to physical activity among overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran

The objective of this study was to identify common barriers to physical activity practice among overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Iran and their associations with physical activity level. In this cross‐sectional study, 146 overweight/obese volunteers with type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics in Tabriz, Iran, between July 2012 and March 2013. A Persian version of the long‐format International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity level. A 12‐item structured questionnaire was designed to assess physical activity barriers. The validity and reliability of the latter scale were assessed by related measures. An exploratory factor analysis with the principal component analysis extraction method and varimax rotation was performed to extract the underlying factors. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between barriers and physical activity level. About 73% of patients had moderate physical activity. Factor analysis yielded four factors as barriers to physical activity including: (i) negative attitude towards physical activity, (ii) discouragement, (iii) physical problems and (iv) cost/environmental factors. These factors explained about 51% of the total variance. There was a negative relationship between the factor ‘physical problems’ and physical activity level (P = 0.024). Overall, there were some barriers to physical activity. Health counsellors should address these barriers to increase the patients' adherence to physical activity recommendations. Physical conditions of the patients must be taken into account.     

Autonomy support in primary care--validation of the German version of the Health Care Climate Questionnaire

ObjectivesThere is a growing need for studies to measure how patients feel supported in their autonomy. The Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ) is an instrument to assess the physician's support to motivate the patient to take personal responsibility for his/her health. The aim of this study was to translate the HCCQ into German and validate the translated version, called the HCCQ-Deutschland (HCCQ-D).Study Design and SettingIn a cross-sectional study, we translated and culturally adapted the HCCQ, then administered the questionnaire to primary care patients from nine general practices in Germany. We used the European Task Force on Patient Evaluations of General Practice questionnaire (EUROPEP) to assess convergent validity. Subsequently, we performed Cronbach α to assess internal consistency and exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the underlying factor structure of the items.ResultsOf 450 questionnaires, we included 351 (78%) in the final analysis. Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach α = 0.97. We found one major underlying factor similar to the English version: all items showed a scale correlation above 0.7. The mean values of the HCCQ correlated moderately (?0.5) with those of the EUROPEP.ConclusionThis study shows similar psychometric properties of the HCCQ-D as of the original English instrument. The HCCQ-D may be appropriate to explore German-speaking patients' perceived autonomy support in primary care settings.     

Development and psychometric properties of a short version of the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire

Introduction

Hospitalization due to cardiac conditions is increasing worldwide, and follow-up after hospitalization usually occurs in a different healthcare setting than the one providing treatment during hospitalization. This leads to a risk of fragmented care and increases the need for coordination and continuity of care after hospitalization. Furthermore, international reports highlight the importance of improving continuity of care and state that it is an essential indicator of the quality of care. Patients’ perceptions of continuity of care can be evaluated using the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire (PCCQ). However, the original version is extensive and may prove burdensome to complete; therefore, we aimed to develop and evaluate a short version of the PCCQ.

Methods

This was a psychometric validation study. Content validity was evaluated among user groups, including patients (n = 7), healthcare personnel (n = 15), and researchers (n = 7). Based on the results of the content validity and conceptual discussions among the authors, 12 items were included in the short version. Data from patients were collected using a consecutive sampling procedure involving patients 6 weeks after hospitalization due to cardiac conditions. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the short version of the PCCQ.

Results

A total of 1000 patients were included [mean age 72 (SD = 10), 66% males]. The PCCQ-12 presented a satisfactory overall model fit and a person separation index of 0.79 (Cronbach's α: .91, ordinal α: .94). However, three items presented individual item misfits. No evidence of multidimensionality was found, meaning that a total score can be calculated. A total of four items presented evidence of response dependence but, according to the analysis, this did not seem to affect the measurement properties or reliability of the PCCQ-12. We found that the first two response options were disordered in all items. However, the reliability remained the same when these response options were amended. In future research, the benefits of the four response options could be evaluated.

Conclusion

The PCCQ-12 has sound psychometric properties and is ready to be used in clinical and research settings to measure patients' perceptions of continuity of care after hospitalization.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, healthcare personnel and researchers were involved in the study because they were invited to select items relevant to the short version of the questionnaire.     

Children's Health and Environment Education and Training for Health Care Professionals in Canada: Assessing Gaps,Barriers, and Needs

Abstract

Scientific evidence suggests that children may be especially vulnerable to environmental hazards. However, medical professionals are often unable to effectively diagnose and treat environment-related illness in patients. To rectify this, many have called for improved post-secondary education and training opportunities in this field in Canada. This study aims to assess the state of education and training for healthcare professionals in children's environment and health, identify related gaps and barriers, and develop recommendations for improvement. Survey participants indicated three primary barriers to the integration of children's health and environment topics in current curricula: a lack of available expertise in the discipline in Canada, a lack of perceived importance of the topic, and a lack of financial and institutional support. A concerted effort must be undertaken to overcome the identified barriers to produce a cadre of healthcare professionals skilled in children's health and environment.     

Effects of Method of Translation of Patient-Reported Health Outcome Questionnaires: A Randomized Study of the Translation of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) Instrument for Sweden

AimsTo compare two versions of a questionnaire translated using forward-backward (FB) translation and dual-panel (DP) methodologies regarding preference of wording and psychometric properties.MethodsThe Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life instrument was adapted into Swedish by two independent groups using FB and DP methodologies, respectively. Seven out of thirty resulting items were identical. Nonidentical items were evaluated regarding preference of wording by 23 bilingual Swedes, 50 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 2 lay panels (n = 11). Psychometric performance was assessed from a postal survey of 200 people with RA randomly assigned to complete one version first and the other 2 weeks later.ResultsPreference did not differ among the 23 bilinguals (P = 0.196), whereas patients and lay people preferred DP over FB item versions (P < 0.0001). Postal survey response rates were 74% (FB) and 75% (DP). There were more missing item responses in the FB than the DP version (6.9% vs. 5.6%; P < 0.0001). Floor/ceiling effects were small (FB, 6.1/0%; DP, 4.4/0.7%) and reliability was 0.92 for both versions. Construct validity was similar for both versions. Differential item functioning by version was detected for five items but cancelled out and did not affect estimated person measures.ConclusionsThe DP approach showed advantages over FB translation in terms of preference by the target population and by lay people, whereas there were no obvious psychometric differences. This suggests advantages of DP over FB translation from the patients' perspective, and does not support the commonly held view that FB translation is the “gold standard.”     

Self-Reported Barriers to Medication Adherence Among Chronically Ill Adolescents: A Systematic Review

PurposeTo investigate self-reported barriers to medication adherence among chronically ill adolescents, and to investigate whether barriers are unique to specific chronic diseases or more generic across conditions.MethodsA systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from January 2000 to May 2012 was conducted. Articles were included if they examined barriers to medication intake among chronically ill adolescents aged 13–19 years. Articles were excluded if adolescent's views on barriers to adherence were not separated from younger children's or caregiver's views. Data was analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach.ResultsOf 3,655 records 28 articles with both quantitative, qualitative, and q-methodology study designs were included in the review. The synthesis led to the following key themes: Relations, adolescent development, health and illness, forgetfulness, organization, medicine complexity, and financial costs. Most reported barriers to adherence were not unique to specific diseases.ConclusionSome barriers seem to be specific to adolescence; for example, relations to parents and peers and adolescent development. Knowledge and assessment of barriers to medication adherence is important for both policy-makers and clinicians in planning interventions and communicating with adolescents about their treatment.     

Mammogram uptake and barriers among Palestinian women attending primary health care in North Palestine

BackgroundBreast cancer affects women''s lives worldwide, yet early detection is an effective strategy for reducing mortality. The participation of women in mammography screening is linked to their knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers.ObjectivesOur study aims to assess mammography screening uptake and barriers among women attending primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in northern Palestine.MethodsUsing an interviewer administered questionnaire, we used a cross-sectional study design to determine mammography screening uptake, knowledge and barriers among 357 women attending PHCs in Northern Palestine between December 2018 and March 2019.ResultsThe mean age was 50 years. The majority (69.2%) were considered to have adequate knowledge about breast cancer and mammography screening. Mammography screening uptake among the participants was 37%. Almost 85% of the women had a positive attitude towards breastfeeding as a prophylaxis factor against breast cancer, while the most frequent barrier to mammography screening was that the participants believed they did not have any symptoms (28.6%), followed by 22.1% of them who did not want to know if they had breast cancer.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlighted the low mammography uptake among Palestinian women despite the adequate knowledge of those women and the fully accessible and free screening programme. Hence, interventional strategies should be implemented at several levels to enhance mammogram uptake.     

Reporting mental health problems of undocumented migrants in Greece: A qualitative exploration

Background: Mental health problems are highly prevalent amongst undocumented migrants (UMs), and often part of their consultations with general practitioners (GPs). Little empirical data are available of how GPs and UMs engage around mental health in Greece, a country with a lack of balance between primary and secondary care and limited healthcare provisions for UMs.

Objectives: To acquire insight in the barriers and levers in the provision of mental healthcare for UMs by GPs in Greece.

Methods: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs in Crete, Greece with clinical expertise in the care of UMs. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results: Greek GPs recognized many mental health problems in UMs and identified the barriers that prevented them from discussing these problems and delivering appropriate care: growing societal resistance towards UMs, budget cuts in healthcare, administrative obstacles and lack of support from the healthcare system. To overcome these barriers, Greek GPs provided UMs with free access to care and psychotropic drugs free of charge, and referred to other primary care professionals rather than to mental healthcare institutions.

Conclusion: Greek GPs experienced substantial barriers in the provision of mental healthcare to UMs and political, economic and organizational factors played a major role.     

Culture de sécurité des professionnels de santé en soins primaires : adaptation en langue française du questionnaire MOSPSC (« Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture »)

BackgroundPatient safety culture (PSC) takes into account a number of individual and organizational factors. Evaluation of PSC with the participation of primary health care professionals can be carried out through self-administered surveys such as the AHRQ's Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture (MOSPSC) questionnaire.AimTo translate the MOSPSC questionnaire into French, while analyzing its psychometric properties.MethodsThe MOSPSC questionnaire was first translated into French, with linguistic analysis included, and then back-translated into English, in accordance with the ISPOR recommendations. Lastly, the French version of the MOSPSC questionnaire was completed by health professionals from 36 outpatient structures. Study of the psychometric properties (test-retest, Cronbach's α, and factor analysis) was conducted based on the professionals' responses.ResultsAfter linguistic analysis, the notion of “team” was translated in the final questionnaire as “structure”. This term was used in the pilot survey of 415 professionals. The participation rate was 64.1% (266/415); 51.9% (138/415) were paramedics (mainly nurses and physiotherapists). The Cronbach coefficient α inclusive of all dimensions was 0.94. A "reporting of safety incidents" dimension was added, and the "staff training" dimension was merged with "development and standardization of office processes", bringing to 13 the number of dimensions identified after factor analysis.ConclusionsHaving been adapted and validated, the French version of the questionnaire can be used as a tool for assessment of PSC in France. It should not only facilitate the monitoring of PSC in primary care facilities, but also prove conducive to comparison of PSC evolution in different establishments. Lastly, it Could contribute to national and international research on risk management in primary care.     

Influenza vaccination: A qualitative study of practice level barriers from medical practitioners caring for children with special risk medical conditions

BackgroundUnderstanding the influenza vaccination practices of general practitioners (GP) and paediatric hospital specialists caring for children with special risk medical conditions (SRMC) is imperative for designing interventions to improve uptake. This study aimed to identify the vaccination decision making, provider practices and perceived barriers and facilitators to recommending or delivering influenza vaccine for children with SRMCs at the tertiary and primary care levels.MethodsNominated GPs and hospital specialists from a single tertiary hospital were interviewed to explore influenza vaccination practices and challenges for children with confirmed SRMCs. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to inductively code these data. Resulting themes were mapped across the COM-B ('capability', 'opportunity', 'motivation' and 'behaviour') theoretical framework to understanding barriers and potential interventions.ResultsTwenty-six medical practitioners (21 GPs and 5 hospital specialists) completed semi-structured interviews. Barriers, and facilitators for influenza vaccine recommendation (the intended behaviour) were thematically grouped. Opportunity themes included structural barriers (e.g. limited use of systems and processes to support the identification of children with SRMCs); recommendation as standard practice; vaccination inconvenience; lack of communication and educational resources; social acceptance and normalisation; and media messaging. Capability themes included provider communication with parents; knowledge of influenza vaccine recommendations; and professional boundaries to implement the recommendation. Themes in the Motivation category included provider clinical prioritisation and responsibility towards providing a recommendation.ConclusionsThe main barriers to influenza recommendation raised by our study participants were structural. These included lack of processes to identify children with SRMCs, limited use of reminder systems and unclear delineation of role responsibility between hospital specialists and GPs. An important driver that emerged was GPs’ responsibility for providing a recommendation. To increase influenza vaccine coverage for children with SRMCs, consideration should be given to addressing practice level structural barriers and improving collaboration.     

Adaptación y validación de la escala CCAENA© para evaluar la continuidad asistencial entre niveles de atención en Colombia y Brasil

ObjectiveTo adapt and to validate the scale of the questionnaire Continuity of Care between Care Levels (CCAENA^©) in the context of the Colombian and Brazilian health systems.MethodsThe study consisted of two phases: 1) adaptation of the CCAENA^© scale to the context of each country, which was tested by two pretests and a pilot test, and 2) validation by means of application of the scale in a population survey in Colombia and Brazil. The following psychometric properties were analyzed: construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and item-rest correlations), the multidimensionality of the scales (Spearman correlation coefficients), and known group validity (chi-square test).ResultsOf the 21 items of the original scale, 14 were selected and reformulated based on a statement with response options of agreement to a question with frequency response options. Factor analysis showed that items could be grouped into three factors: continuity across healthcare levels, the patient-primary care provider relationship, and the patient-secondary care provider relationship. Cronbach's alpha indicated good internal consistency (>0.80 in all the scales). The correlation coefficients suggest that the three factors could be interpreted as separated scales (<0.70) and had adequate ability to differentiate between groups.ConclusionThe adapted version of the CCAENA^© shows adequate validity and reliability in both countries, maintaining a high equivalence with the original version. It is a useful and feasible tool to assess the continuity of care between healthcare levels from the users’ perspective in both contexts.     

Diseño y validación de un instrumento sobre calidad de la planificación anticipada de decisiones para profesionales

ObjectiveTo develop a questionnaire aimed to measure the quality of the advance care planning process in healthcare professionals and to assess its psychometric quality.MethodInstrumental questionnaire validation study. Scope: primary care centers and outpatients clinics from general hospitals in Ferrol, Ourense, Monforte-Lugo and Health Area V of the Health Service of Asturias. Participants: physicians and nurses. Phases: (1) design of the first version of the questionnaire using the Delphi technique; (2) construction of the second version of 21 items, after judges’ agreement and Kendall's W test; (3) pilot study: internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and omega coefficient, retest–test by Pearson's correlation coefficient; (4) validation: Barlett's spherity test and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measurement, exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation and study of the dimensions of the questionnaire (number, CCI and correlation), internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha.ResultsPilot study with 28 professionals. Reliability ? = 0.917, α = 0.841, and test–retest correlation coefficient of 0.785 (95% confidence interval: 0.587–0.894; p < 0.001). Validation of the questionnaire (21 items) in 204 professionals. Ítem analysis and exploratory factor analysis (Barlett's test [χ² = 1298,789] and KMO = 0.808; p < 0.001) yielded a five-factor model explaining 64.377% of the total variance, with 18 items grouped into 5 dimensions (information, preferences, behavioral intention, training and communication). Cronbach's alpha of the global questionnaire was 0.841.ConclusionsThe ProPAD-pro questionnaire has showed to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess the quality of the advance care planning process.     

Classical test theory and item response theory/Rasch model to assess differences between patient-reported fatigue using 7-day and 4-week recall periods

ObjectiveThis study compared self-reported fatigue between 7-day and 4-week time frames and explored factors that affect patients' responses.Study Design and SettingTwo hundred and sixteen cancer patients completed either 7-day or 4-week version of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel statistics and Cochran–Armitage trend tests were used to assess the association between time frame and item scores. Information function curves at both item and scale levels were depicted to evaluate the precision along the fatigue continuum. Differential item functioning (DIF) was used to examine the stability of the psychometric properties between time frames.ResultsTime frame did not influence patients' item responses. Examination of information function curves at item level did not clearly favor either time frame. At the scale level, the 7-day time frame was slightly more precise overall than the 4-week time frame. No item demonstrated DIF between time frames. Neither gender nor fatigue severity had an impact on above results.ConclusionThis study suggests 7-day and 4-week time frame are equally appropriate in measuring fatigue, preference might be given to the more informative 7-day time frame. However, substantive considerations regarding the appropriate time frame should outweigh statistical ones.