Validation of the Measurement Model of the Grief Support Healthcare Scale Among the Intensive Care Unit Nurses in Malaysia.

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the measurement model of the Grief Support Healthcare Scale sub-constructs among the intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. This methodological study in January 2015 uses the TRIPOD checklist for model validation. A two-order confirmatory factor analysis involving 655 nurses from the adult ICUs of nine hospitals confirmed the validity and reliability of the sub-constructs of grief support. The evaluation of the measurement model was based on the multi-category model fit indices. The convergent and discriminant validities and reliability of the grief support sub-constructs, recognition of the relationship, acknowledgment of the loss, and inclusion of the griever were confirmed, with eight indicators. The measurement model of the revised Grief Support Healthcare Scale had a good model-fit (chi-square (df) = 67.586(17); p = .000; relative chi-square = 3.976; AGFI = 0.947; GFI = 0.975; CFI = 0.990; IFI = 0.990; TLI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.067; SRMR = 0.020). The validated grief support measurement model allows measurement of grief support for future intensive care unit nurses and the structural model analysis. Nurse managers and co-workers provide support to the grieving intensive care unit nurses based on the essential components of grief support.