Inpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire: Scale Development and Reliability-Validity Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable measurement instrument to determine the satisfaction rates of inpatients. Methods: This study was designed as a methodological research and the eight-step scale development principles developed by Devellis were followed. The sample size was calculated as 360, taking into account 10 times the number of items in the explanatory factor analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to the scale and the reliability coefficients, Cronbach's Alpha and Composite Reliability values, were calculated for the subdimensions obtained. Results: Since probability value was p<0.05 and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was determined as 0.939 for Bartlett's test, which was performed for factor analysis suitability of the results obtained from 36 items, the data set was found to be “perfectly” suitable for factor analysis. The scale was able to explain the concept of inpatient satisfaction to a large extent since the total variance explained was found to be 70.04% in factor analysis. In the confirmatory factor analysis of the scale which resulted in 32 items and five subdimensions, all of the covariance values drawn between the subdimensions were significant (p<0.05). Factor loadings of items were within the range of 0.62-0.95. Cronbach's Alpha reliability score of the Inpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ISQ) was found to be 0.911 for the whole scale. Conclusion: The questionnaire that was developed exhibited a high level of reliability and validity. We suggest that it is suitable for measuring the satisfaction of inpatients, and the data obtained will aid and guide in the improvement of healthcare facilities.