Translate 
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a reliable, multi-domain scale for assessing childhood hydrocephalus severity and to enhance communication, guide treatment decisions, and improve patient care. A stepwise consensus approach informed by a modified Delphi technique was employed. Healthcare professionals participated in anonymous surveys and face-to-face meetings to define the core domains of the scale. Content validity, internal consistency, and inter-rater reliability were assessed. The Delphi process yielded a refined 7-item, 10-point Childhood Hydrocephalus Severity Scale (CHS) focussing on age, Evans index, associated malformations, neurological deficit, intraventricular haemorrhage, and mid-arm circumference. Content validity analysis using the Content Validity Index (CVI) demonstrated strong agreement (mean I-CVI = 0.91) among experts regarding the relevance of CHS items. All individual item CVI scores exceeded 0.8, supporting the inclusion of each factor. The CHS exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.988). High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were observed for both single measures (ICC = 0.902, 95% CI: 0.862-0.931) and average measures (ICC = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.978-0.990), indicating near-perfect agreement between raters. Both ICC values were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The CHS demonstrates promising potential as a reliable and valid tool for childhood hydrocephalus severity assessment. This scale has the potential to enhance communication, guide treatment decisions, and improve patient care in childhood hydrocephalus.
Published Version
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