Development and initial psychometric validation of the advisor experience survey.

Abstract

220 Background: Patient, family and public engagement builds strong, sustainable partnerships benefitting the planning, delivery and evaluation of health services. With growing international evidence and increased organizational investment supporting this type of engagement, evaluating the experience of these individuals is essential to ensuring meaningful participation and value. This study describes the development and psychometric properties of the Advisor Experience Survey in order to assess on-going patient, family and public advisor engagement at the system-level. Methods: The development and psychometric validation consisted of five steps: 1) literature review to identify relevant engagement experience items; 2) modified Delphi process where relevant engagement experience items were rated by experts; 3) cognitive interviews to ensure that items were clear and understandable; 4) pilot of survey; and 5) exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA; CFA) to determine construct validity. Results: The 13-item survey was disseminated to eligible patient, family and public advisors between April and September 2016 using FluidSurveys. All items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 126 responses were included in the EFA and CFA. The final confirmatory solution consists of 3-factors (Support and Resources, Engagement Opportunities and Engagement Experience), including 9-items (X2= 31.4, df = 24; AGFI = 0.92; CFI = 0.99; SRMR = 0.02 and RMSEA = 0.05; 95% C.I. = 0.00-0.09). The 3-factor solution explains a total of 92% of the variance of the advisor engagement experience. Conclusions: The 3-factor Advisor Experience Survey with 9-items is acceptable for measuring the patient, family and public advisor engagement experience as it demonstrates good internal consistency and construct reliability. Cancer Care Ontario utilizes the 3-factor solution to report patient, family and advisor engagement experience at the system-level on a quarterly basis.