Design and Psychometrics of a Supportive and Palliative Care Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Patients

Mehdi Dehghani  Firoozabadi; Afzal  Shamsi

doi:10.18502/aacc.v11i5.19932

Mehdi Dehghani Firoozabadi Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran Heart Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Afzal Shamsi Department of Anesthesia, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v11i5.19932

Keywords: Cancer; Supportive and palliative care; Validity; Reliability

Abstract

Background: Supportive and palliative care is recognized as an important and vital component of cancer patient care. Utilizing an appropriate instrument can identify these needs. This study aimed to "design and psychometrically evaluate an instrument for assessing the supportive and palliative care needs of cancer patients."

Methods: This study is a methodological research with both qualitative and quantitative components. Participants included 210 cancer patients. Questionnaire items were extracted through qualitative study methods and literature review, and subsequently, an initial questionnaire was designed. The validity of this questionnaire was evaluated through content, construct, and face validity assessments. Internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire were also examined to determine its reliability.

Results: 59 items were extracted from the qualitative section and literature review. Subsequently, the Item Impact Score (values above 1.5) was calculated. The CVI (above 0.79) and CVR (above 0.56) were assessed, resulting in the selection of 35 items. Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: symptom and pain control (6 items), psychological and social needs (17 items), spiritual needs (4 items), and education and awareness (8 items). Finally, a 35-item questionnaire was designed, demonstrating acceptable reliability (α=0.90).

Conclusion: The questionnaire designed in this study has acceptable and confirmed psychometric properties (validity and reliability). Therefore, the use of this instrument is recommended for Iranian patients with cancer.