Validity and reliability testing of the Oulu patient classification: instrument within primary health care for the older people

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of The Oulu Patient Classification (OPC) instrument to see whether the instrument that has been developed for hospital care is valid and useful within primary health care for older people. Background. Although different patient classification instruments have been under development since the 1960s, this is still a very important research area today. Method. Inter-rater reliability testing of the OPC instrument was undertaken. The inter-rater reliability was tested through parallel classification (n = 1722). Validity testing was conducted as an expert validation of the manual for the OPC instrument, using a questionnaire during June and July of 2005 (n = 61). Results. The inter-rater reliability testing achieved over 70% consensus, Cohen's Kappa showed a strong consensus for OPC classifications (0.65). The reliability measured with Cronbach's Alpha was also acceptable. Conclusion. The results show that the OPC instrument provides a good overview of the patient's care needs and is a reliable instrument within primary health care for older people.