Hypodermoclysis As a Care Tool: Algorithm Construction and Validation

Abstract

Introduction: Hypodermoclysis is an alternative method for administering medications and fluids. From this perspective, decision-making tools are useful for systematizing care. Objective: To develop and validate the content and appearance of an algorithm to guide eligibility for hypodermoclysis in adult patients. Materials and methods: Methodological study, developed between April and December 2020, in two stages: Construction of the algorithm and validation of content and appearance. In the first stage, a scoping review was constructed to identify and map the evidence on the eligibility/indication criteria for adult patients to use hypodermoclysis. In the second stage, the Delphi technique was used to evaluate the tool. The consensus among the judges was measured by the content validity coefficient. The item with more than 80% agreement was considered valid. Results: The algorithm uses three dimensions to assess the eligibility criteria for the use of hypodermoclysis in adults, focusing on the main absolute contraindications, such as anasarca, severe thrombocytopenia, and whether there is a need for rapid volume replacement. The content validation reached a total value of 0.95, while the appearance was 0.93, both in Delphi II. After the proposed changes, 100% of the judges recommended the use of the algorithm. Conclusions: The instrument produced and validated in this study constitutes a safe tool for care, because it reinforces the use of evidence-based praxis, as it is an instrument capable of bringing the theoretical field closer to the practical.