Abstract

The objective of this study is to establish the content validity (CV) and reliability of the Institute of Functional Medicine (FM) Matrix Model, 2008. Seventeen practitioners trained in FM rated the CV of the FM Matrix. The item‐level Content Validity Index (I‐CVI), the multiple‐rater intra‐class coefficient of reliability (ICC), and the Fleiss’ kappa were calculated for each domain and for the entire matrix. Of the 9 domains, two domains (Detoxification and Biotransformation, and Nutrition Status/Exercise/Sleep/Beliefs and Self‐Care/Relationships) received adequate content validity. Three domains (Immune Surveillance & Inflammatory Process, Digestion and Absorption, and Psychological and Spiritual Equilibrium) received high I‐CVI rating but failed to reach the standard for ICC and kappa. This means that their content validity may have been linked to chance agreement among the experts. Three domains (Structural/Boundary/Membranes, Oxidative/Reductive Homeodynamics, and Hormone & Neurotransmitter Regulation) received high and low I‐CVI rating and all experts are in agreement with rating. The entire matrix I‐CVI was rated high by experts but with little overall agreements among the experts. This means that the content validity may have been linked to chance agreement among the experts. The results of this pilot study indicate that parts of the IFM matrix tool are not valid and require revision.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.