Reliability Of Assessment Scale Research Articles

Development of Cartoon-based Dental Anxiety Scale for Children: Validation and Reliability.

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a common, deterring problem affecting children, which has a significant negative impact on children's oral health, leading to avoidance of dental care, poor dental hygiene, and an increased risk of dental caries and other oral health problems. The Oddbods DFA assessment is an innovative, child-friendly instrument that has been developed to assess DFA in children. To evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale, and to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion and construct validity of the scale. This study has assessed the reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity of the novel Oddbods anxiety assessment scale among 4-6-year-old children. Different samples were recruited to assess different criteria. A normative study was done to assess the distribution of age of the children according to anxiety levels. For assessing the test's retest reliability statistically, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0, Cronbach's α, interclass correlation coefficient, and t-test were used. For evaluating the criterion validity, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was used in an exploratory factor analysis to determine whether the sample size was sufficient for the factor analysis. The scale had a high positive correlation with the modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS), which is considered a gold standard, and a higher Cronbach's α value, which proved its internal consistency. It also showed a significant difference between anxious and nonanxious children, but there were no differences in the scores with respect to age. The present scale proved to be a very effective tool for assessing DFA among young children. It is important to identify children at risk of dental anxiety. This scale helps to follow-up on children for their innate DFA, evaluate the efficacy of dental anxiety interventions, enhance communication, and improve access to dental care by encouraging children to seek dental care without fear or hesitation, promoting preventive care and better oral health outcomes. Fathima A, Ravikumar R, Chellappa LR. Development of Cartoon-based Dental Anxiety Scale for Children: Validation and Reliability. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):796-801.

Development and psychometric testing of the nurses' core competencies for public health emergencies scale: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe significance of addressing public health emergencies (PHEs) emphasizes the pivotal role of a skilled nursing workforce in effective preparedness and response. However, there's a lack of comprehensive assessments tailored to nurses' core competencies, serving as a standard for ongoing education in preparedness. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a psychometrically sound scale for identifying and measuring essential core competencies crucial for nurses during public health emergencies. DesignA multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. SettingsTwelve tertiary hospitals in Shanghai. ParticipantsAffiliated nurses with prior experience and significant exposure to public health emergencies were recruited. MethodsThe study underwent development and validation in two stages, utilizing qualitative data analysis, a Delphi expert panel, and an empirical quantitative cross-sectional survey. The Nurses' Core Competencies for Public Health Emergencies (NCC-PHEs) scale and a demographic questionnaire were distributed between January 2023 and March 2023. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlations, and Cronbach's alpha analyses were employed to identify theoretical constructs, assess scale reliability, and establish validity. ResultsAnalysis was conducted on valid data collected from 1481 nurses. Factor analysis identified 47 professional nursing competencies arranged within a four-factor high-order model: prevention competencies (9 items), preparation competencies (7 items), response competencies (comprising basic and advanced levels) (26 items), and recovery competencies (5 items). Structural equation modelling confirmed satisfactory factor loadings and a good model fit, validating construct integrity. The reliability of the total scale was confirmed. ConclusionThis study presents a valid scale that empirically measures nurses' core competencies crucial for preparedness and response during public health emergencies. The findings offer instrumental support for guiding the development of future courses and training programs in nursing research and practice.

The relationship between organizational learning and innovation capability in the Vietnamese banking sector

This study investigates the influence of organizational learning on the innovation capability of commercial banks in Vietnam. Its aim is to identify the nature of the relationship between these constructs and empirically examine whether organizational learning practices impact banks' innovation capabilities. This research uses in-depth interviews with a large-scale survey administered to employees across various Vietnamese commercial banks employing a mixed-methods approach. Data collection primarily relied on questionnaires with 280 valid responses to explore the direct and indirect effects of organizational learning on innovation capability. Quantitative analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted using Smart-PLS software to assess scale reliability, test hypotheses and analyze the collected data. The findings confirm a direct and positive relationship between organizational learning and bank innovation capability. Three factors such as commitment to learning, shared vision and open-mindedness were found to exert significant positive influences on the bank’s product and process innovation. However, intra-organizational knowledge sharing exhibited a significant and positive impact only on process innovation with an insignificant effect on product innovation. This finding concerning the limited influence of knowledge sharing on product innovation represents a critical discovery, warranting further investigation into the underlying reasons. It potentially highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of open innovation within the context of commercial banking.

Evaluating the Reliability of Short-Form Berg Balance Scales and Short-Form Postural Assessment Scales in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Evaluating the Reliability of Short-Form Berg Balance Scales and Short-Form Postural Assessment Scales in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Evaluating the Reliability of Short-Form Berg Balance Scales and Short-Form Postural Assessment Scales in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Evaluating the Reliability of Short-Form Berg Balance Scales and Short-Form Postural Assessment Scales in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Reliability and validity of a novel attention assessment scale (broken ring enVision search test) in the Chinese population.

The correct assessment of attentional function is the key to cognitive research. A new attention assessment scale, the Broken Ring enVision Search Test (BReViS), has not been validated in China. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the BReViS in the Chinese population. From July to October 2023, 100 healthy residents of Changzhou were selected and subjected to the BReViS, Digital Cancelation Test (D-CAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Digit Span Test (DST). Thirty individuals were randomly chosen to undergo the BReViS twice for test-retest reliability assessment. Correlation analysis was conducted between age, education level, gender, and various BReViS sub-tests including Selective Attention (SA), Orientation of Attention (OA), Focal Attention (FA), and Total Errors (Err). Intergroup comparisons and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Additionally, correlation analyses between the BReViS sub-tests and with other attention tests were also analyzed. The correlation coefficients of the BReViS sub-tests (except for FA) between the two tests were greater than 0.600 (p < 0.001), indicating good test-retest reliability. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.874, suggesting high internal consistency reliability. SA showed a significant negative correlation with the net score of D-CAT (r = -0.405, p < 0.001), and a significant positive correlation with the error rate of D-CAT (r = 0.401, p < 0.001), demonstrating good criterion-related validity. The correlation analysis among the results of each sub-test showed that the correlation coefficient between SA and Err was 0.532 (p < 0.001), and between OA and Err was-0.229 (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant correlation between SA, OA, and FA, which indicated that the scale had good informational content validity and structural validity. Both SA and Err were significantly correlated with age and years of education, while gender was significantly correlated with OA and Err. Multiple linear regression suggested that Err was mainly affected by age and gender. There were significant differences in the above indexes among different age, education level and gender groups. Correlation analysis with other attention tests revealed that SA negatively correlated with DST forward and backward scores and SDMT scores. Err positively correlated with D-CAT net scores and negatively with D-CAT error rate, DST forward and backward scores, and SDMT scores. OA and FA showed no significant correlation with other attention tests. The BReViS test, demonstrating good reliability and validity, assessing not only selective attention but also gauging capacities in immediate memory, information processing speed, visual scanning, and hand-eye coordination. The results are susceptible to demographic variables such as age, gender, and education level.

Validity and Reliability of the Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale

Background: The performance of nurse managers is significantly important in providing quality and safe patient care services in hospitals, as well as in retaining the nurse workforce. There are limited number of measurement instruments for which validity and reliability have been tested in order to assess nurse managers' level of performance. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the psychometric testing of the “Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale,” which is used to assess the annual performance of nurse managers working in a private chain hospital group in Turkey. Method: The sample of this methodological study was composed of 165 nurse managers. The data were obtained from the Hospital Information Management System, retrospectively. Results: The average score of the eight-item scale items ranged between 3.3 (0.8) and 3.7 (0.8). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient, indicating the internal consistency, was found to be 0.943, while the Spearman-Brown coefficient, indicating intraclass consistency, was found to be 0.910. The two-factor scale obtained using exploratory factor analysis was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and the model was found to be significant. Conclusion: In this study, the results of psychometric analysis of the “Nurse Manager Performance Assessment Scale,” which is used to assess the annual performance of nurse managers, indicated that the scale is a valid and reliable instrument. It is recommended that the scale be applied in different institutions and that it be tested in practice based on pilot application results.

The effect of combining an e-learning module with s Virtual Dementia Tour® on knowledge and attitudes toward person-centered dementia care in prelicensure nursing education

BackgroundDue to the global prevalence of dementia the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease recommended that healthcare professionals prepare to address the complex needs of people with dementia. To address this gap, nursing programs adopted experiential learning methods. While such methodologies are increasingly used, limited evidence exists to inform best teaching practices. PurposeThis study evaluated the combined effect of an e-learning module with a virtual simulation on nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes of dementia. MethodsThe study followed quasi-experimental design with a cross-over and pretest/posttest design. A convenience sample of nursing students was recruited from three public universities in the Southeast United States. ResultsSignificant improvements in attitudes toward people with dementia were found in students with previous dementia care experience or those employed to provide services to people with dementia. Experience was a stronger predictor of attitudes than education. However, the reliability of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale was not sufficient in this study. SignificanceThe findings may inform best practices in nursing education to prepare graduates to provide quality care for people with dementia.

Development, reliability, and validity of the mobility assessment scale in hospitalized patients (HMob)

BackgroundExisting mobility scales for hospitalized patients do not include assessment of tasks for the right and left side, ability to transfer from sitting to lying and from standing to sitting, ability to climbing steps and pick up an object from the floor in the same instrument. ObjectiveEvaluate the reliability and validity of the hospital mobility assessment scale (HMob) according to the Consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN). MethodsStudy conducted in three inpatient units (cardiology, neurology, and gastrohepatology) and one adult intensive care unit in a hospital. Patients of both sexes were included; age >18 years; collaborative and who obeyed commands, with different medical diagnoses and clinical release to leave their bed (provided by the doctor). Special populations such as those with burns and orthopedics were excluded. ResultsThe sample consisted of 130 patients; 20 from the pilot study and 110 to assess the clinimetric properties of the HMob. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.949. Relative intra- (A1-A2) and inter-rater (A1-B; A2-B) reliability was excellent (A1-A2: ICC = 0.982, p-value < 0.0001; A1-B: ICC = 0.993, p-value < 0.0001; A2-B: ICC = 0.986, p-value < 0.0001.) The convergent criterion validity of HMob in relation to the ICU Functional Status Score was 0.967 (p-value < 0.0001) and for Functional Independence measure (MIF) was 0.926 (p-value < 0.0001). ConclusionThe HMob scale showed excellent internal consistency, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and concurrent validity in the motor domain, which suggests that it can be used in daily practice to measure mobility in hospitalized patients.

Preoperative infection risk assessment in hip arthroplasty a matched-pair study of the reliability of 3 validated risk scales.

Peri-prosthetic infection (PJI) represents one of the most devastating complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of different PJI risk assessment scales between two matched pairs of THA groups. This study included 37 patients with PJI following THA performed between 2012 and 2020 (Group A). Each patient in this group was matched, based on sex, age, and follow-up duration, with a control patient who underwent the same surgical procedure without any septic complications (Group B) during the same period. Each patient's assessment included the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and a retrospective evaluation using three different preoperative, specific PJI risk assessment scales: the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) Preoperative Risk Calculator for PJI, the Mayo PJI Risk Score, and the KLIC-score. The two groups were statistically compared using descriptive analyses, both for binomial data and numerical variables. Statistically significant higher values were observed in the preoperative ASA score and surgical time in Group A. Statistically different higher scores were determined only with the ICM risk calculator score in Group A. No significant differences were found using the KLIC score and Mayo score between the two groups. We emphasize the reliability of the ASA score as a nonspecific preoperative assessment scale for PJI. The ICM risk calculator was confirmed as a reliable, specific preoperative assessment scale for PJI, suggesting its routine adoption in THA clinical practice.

Validity and reliability of the italian-Neonatal skin risk assessment scale (i-NSRAS)

BackgroundThe skin of infants has important anatomical and physiological differences from that of children and adults. Because of skin immaturity, reduced mobility, neurological changes, and the need for medical devices, infants are at high risk for pressure injuries. Specific, validated tools are needed to assess the risk of pressure injuries in this population. ObjectivesTo assess the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale (construct validity, internal consistency and reliability). MethodA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the neonatal units of the two Italian hospitals. 200 infants were examined 3 times by 54 nurses to assess the risk of pressure injuries. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed jointly to assess construct validity. Internal consistency was analyzed using McDonalds omega coefficient and Cronbach's alpha, while intra and interobserver agreement using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). ResultsExploratory factor analysis confirmed a 2-factor model; the factor “duration and intensity of pressure” explained four subscales (mental state, mobility, activity and nutrition), while “skin immaturity” explained the subscales (general physical condition and skin moisture). Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated good model fits (X2/df = 0.84, p = 0.002, RMSEA = 0, NNFI = 1.01, NFI = 0.98 y CFI = 1 (M1 with MI). The italian-Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale showed a good internal consistency, McDonalds omega coefficient and Cronbach's alpha both 0.86. An excellent intra and inter observer reliability was also observed, ICC 0.99 and 0.98 respectively. ConclusionThe psychometric characteristics indicate that the italian-Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale is useful, valid and reliable for measuring risk of pressure injuries in the neonatal population.Implications for Clinical Practice.This is the first valid and reliable newborn-specific scale that assesses the presence of medical devices. Its use could enable efficient management of preventive resources, early classification of newborns at risk and assignment of preventive interventions, facilitate the development of risk assessment protocols.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness Scale.

Family health significantly affects society and the country. Health problems have been identified as the most important cause of family anxiety and conflict in South Korea. Because valid instruments to measure this concept are limited, using the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness scale may provide precious insight into family health and nursing practice. This study was designed to translate and validate the Korean version of the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness (K-ASF-E) scale. This scale was developed based on the framework of systemic organization for assessment and intervention use in the context of family nursing in South Korea. A methodological approach was used to verify the validity and reliability of the K-ASF-E. To determine validity, we first invited four experts to evaluate content validity. Next, we collected data from 1,028 participants using stratified random sampling that considered the background of each participant in terms of region, age, and gender. On the basis of the collected data, we determined the construct validity of the scale using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, we used Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient analyses to assess scale reliability. The K-ASF-E showed item-level content validity index and scale-level content validity index values of 1.00, as assessed by four experts. Using the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation, the exploratory factor analysis verified the validity of a K-ASF-E scale comprising four dimensions and 20 items, including system maintenance (seven items), system change (four items), coherence (six items), and individuation (three items). For confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indices of the factor structure of K-ASF-E indicate appropriate model fitness. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each of the subfactors centered on the target were .59-.86, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (range) was .56-.85. The K-ASF-E scale is the first attempt to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool for family effectiveness in South Korea. Initial testing was validated using a large number of stratified randomized clusters. The K-ASF-E scale accurately measures family effectiveness and may be used for family-related research, intervention, and training programs in community and clinical settings.

Validity and Reliability Evidence of the Munro Scale for Perioperative Patients, Part I: Correlation, Multiple Regression, and Reliability.

Background and Purpose: Patients undergoing surgery are at risk of pressure injury development and should be assessed to ensure measures are taken for prevention. The study's purpose was to examine the causal relationships and reliability of the Munro Pressure Injury Risk Assessment Scale for Perioperative Patients (Munro Scale). The Munro Scale is the first dynamic risk scale available for this patient population in the acute clinical setting. Methods: This study was a retrospective review to explore the relationships of the variables in the Munro Scale, identify the strongest predictors, and measure the reliability of previously collected data from two northeastern community hospitals. A total of 630 risk assessments were analyzed to obtain regression, correlation, and reliability evidence for the Munro Scale. Results: The correlation analysis among the 15 risk variables and combined comorbidities revealed commonalities among the variables and significant relationships to the final postoperative injury score. The model as a whole is significant to predict the final level of risk. Coefficient alpha revealed a lower than anticipated reliability when compared to the Chinese, Turkish, and Brazilian versions of the Munro Scale. Conclusions: There are significant relationships among the variables, and the scale is acceptable for use in the acute perioperative practice setting. This study has both clinical and statistical significance.

Validity and Reliability of Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale and Dementia Attitude Scale in the Indonesian Language among Nursing Students

BACKGROUND: The population of persons with dementia (PwD) in Indonesia is increasing. As future nurses, it is important to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students because they can affect the quality of health services for PwD. However, no instrument is available in the Indonesian language through a good, valid, and reliable translation process. AIM: The aim is to report the translational process and determine the validity and reliability of the Indonesian dementia knowledge assessment scale (DKAS) and dementia attitude scale (DAS) questionnaires in nursing students. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 486 nursing students from two universities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Brislin method was used to translate DKAS and DAS, then continued with content (involved four experts using items-content validity index [I-CVI]), face, and construct validity tests, as well as reliability tests using Cronbach’s alpha. RESULTS: The I-CVI results were 1.00 for DKAS and 0.98 for DAS, demonstrating a good construct validity index. In addition, the reliability testing had good results, whereas Cronbach’s alpha of the DKAS was 0.713, while DAS was 0.779. CONCLUSION: DKAS and DAS in the Indonesian language are considered valid and reliable to measure nursing student’s knowledge and attitudes toward PwD.

Validity and reliability of Chinese version of the new diabetic foot ulcer assessment scale.

A specific assessment tool is urgently needed to guide effective wound care for diabetic foot ulcers. However, the tool has not been available in Chinese. We aimed to culturally translate and verify the validity and reliability of the new Diabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment Scale (DFUAS). The original scale was translated into Chinese according to the Brislin guidelines. Patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Each of the included foot ulcers was evaluated independently by two wound care specialists using the new DFUAS and by the third wound care specialists at the same time using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool according to per guidelines. 210 diabetic foot ulcers were included for data analysis. The S-CVI of the Chinese version of the DFUAS was 0.96, and the I-CVIs ranged from 0.89 to 0.98. The total Cronbach's Alpha of the scale was 0.709, and the corrected item-total correlation of the items ranged from 0.4 to 0.872. The DFUAS had high inter-observer reliability of 0.997, and there were weak, moderate, and strong correlations between each pair of the items. The Bland-Altman plots showed a good agreement between the scale and the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. We concluded that the Chinese version of the DFUAS showed good validity and reliability and is a reliable instrument for the assessment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Reliability and validity of the hidden hunger assessment scale in China-revised for high school students

Hidden hunger remains a severe public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In China, challenges related to dietary imbalance and hidden hunger persist. Micronutrient inadequacy deserves more attention among adolescents, given its vital role in their growth and development; however, this problem appears to have been largely ignored. High school students, in particular, are often at a high risk of hidden hunger but have limited assessment tools available. Therefore, this study aims to revise the hidden hunger assessment scale for high school students (HHAS-HSS) in China and assess its reliability and validity. Based on a literature review, expert consultation, pre-experiment, and formal survey, a hidden hunger assessment scale was revised for high school students. The formal survey involved 9 336 high school students in 11 of the 16 cities in Anhui Province, China, and 9 038 valid questionnaires were collected and included in the analysis. The item analysis, internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis of the HHAS-HSS were examined. The HHAS-HSS included a total of 4 dimensions and 12 items: “vegetables and food diversity” (three items), “fruits and dairy products” (three items), “micronutrient-dense foods” (four items), and “health condition and eating habits” (two items). The results showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.758, a split-half reliability of 0.829, and a test-retest reliability of 0.793, indicating good internal consistency. Using the Bartlett's test and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test (KMO) to test the exploratory factor analysis presented a four-factor model of the HHAS-HSS, the KMO value was 0.820 (P < 0.001), which indicated the possibility for factor confirmatory factor analysis. Using the maximum variance rotation method, four factors were obtained, and the cumulative variance explained rate was 57.974%. Confirmatory factor analysis also supported the division of the scale into four dimensions, and the fitting indices were χ² = 1417.656, χ²/df = 29.534, goodness-of-fit index = 0.974, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.958, parsimonious goodness-of-fit index = 0.600, normed fit index = 0.938, incremental fit index = 0.940, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.917, comparative fit index = 0.939, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.056. Except for χ²/df, all the indices reached the fitting standard, and the above results showed that the construct validity of the scale reached an acceptable level. The HHAS-HSS has good validity and reliability for Chinese high school students. It is a convenient self-report measure of hidden hunger risk.

Patient satisfaction with chronic disease care and its associated factors in primary health care facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Patient satisfaction is a widely used indicator of assessing health care quality and has been used by policymakers to consider the needs of patients when developing suitable strategies for safe and high-quality care. However, in South Africa, the dual burden of HIV and NCDs has implications for the health system, whereby the factors influencing the quality of care and patient satisfaction may be unique to this context. Thus, this study examined the predictors affecting chronic disease patients' levels of satisfaction with care in Johannesburg, South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,429 chronic disease patients at 80 primary healthcare facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. A questionnaire derived from existing literature and patient satisfaction frameworks was used to measure the level of satisfaction of patients when receiving care. Patients' overall satisfaction was categorized into not satisfied and satisfied. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess scale reliability. Factor analysis was used as a data dimension reduction approach and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and the Bartlett test of sphericity were used to test the sampling adequacy and to examine the inter-independence of the items. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with being satisfied. Significance was set at 5%. The majority of chronic disease patients 65.5% (n = 1,592) were aged 18-30 years; 63.8% (n = 1,549) were females, 55.1% (n = 1,339) were married and 2,032 (83.7%) were satisfied with care. The factor analysis results were in five sub-scales namely improving values and attitudes, cleanliness of the clinic, safe and effective care, infection control, and on the availability of medicines. In adjusted models, patients aged >51years had an increased odds of 3.18 (95% CI:1.31-7.75) of being satisfied compared to those aged 18-30 years and patients who had visited the clinic at least 6 times had 51% increased odds of being satisfied (AOR = 1.51,95% CI:1.13-2.03). The odds of being satisfied increased by 28% (AOR = 1.28,95% CI:1.07-1.53), 45% (AOR = 1.45,95% CI:1.2-1.75), 34% (AOR = 1.34,95% CI:1.13-1.59) and 4.31 (95% CI:3.55-5.23) for every score increase in the factors like improving values and attitudes, cleanliness of clinic safe and effective care and availability of medicine, respectively. Key predictors of patient satisfaction were found to be sociodemographic factors including age, distance to the clinic, number of visits and waiting times as well as factors such as improving values and attitudes, cleanliness of the clinic, waiting time, safety and effective care and availability of medicines. Adjustment of existing frameworks for addressing context-specific improvement of patient experiences such as security and safety is recommended to ensure healthcare quality and service utilization for better chronic disease outcomes in South Africa.

Reliability of three pain assessment tools in children requiring dental treatment: A comparative clinical study.

The appropriate intervention of pain is based on its accurate evaluation, which is a challenge in the pediatric population as they often do not have the language development or cognitive sophistication to describe it correctly. Untreated pain has a negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of children. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the reliability of different pain assessment scales, namely, the Wong Baker Facial Pain Rating scale (WBFPS), Modified Emoji Pain Scale (MEPS), and indigenously developed indigenously made GIF Pain Scale (SPGPS) in children undergoing dental treatment under local anesthesia (LA). The study included 152 children aged 4-6 years with a Frankl behavior rating of score 3 and 4 (positive and definitely positive) requiring dental treatment under LA. After local infiltration, each child with two independent observers was asked to record the response of the current pain on the WBFPS, MEPS, and SPGPS. The reliability of the pain scales was assessed on the basis of similar responses given by all three individuals. The Pearson correlation test was performed to determine the correlation among the scales. A very strong correlation was found between the WBFPS and SPGPS (r = 0.848), while a moderate correlation was found among the WBFPS and MEPS (r = 0.691). A strong correlation was found between the SPGPS and MEPS (r = 0.723). The SPGPS proved to be a more reliable pain assessment tool compared to the WBFPS and MEPS in clinical pediatric dentistry.

Reliability of Longshi scale with remote assessment of smartphone video calls for stroke patients' activities of daily living

ObjectivesThe impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) has brought a heavy burden to the life of patients after stroke. Timely and accurate assessment of patients' activities of daily living is very necessary, which determines the whole process of diagnosis, rehabilitation and prognosis of patients. However, the patients with limited mobility or transportation are difficulted to gain high quality assessment services. This study aimed to explore the reliability of remote Longshi Assessment Scale of Activities of Daily Life (Longshi Scale) with smartphone video calls by comparing the consistency of remote assessment and bedside assessment, as well as the test-retest reliability of the remote assessment. The evaluation duration of these two methods was recorded and the level of satisfaction of patients was investigated. MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of 129 stroke survivors were recruited and accepted a bedside face-to-face assessment and a remote assessment by video calls. The Longshi Scale was used for both bedside and remote assessment and conducted with the inquiry between patients and evaluators. A satisfaction questionnaire was also launched. ResultsThe result of disability level evaluated from the bedside and remote assessments was highly consistent. The intraclass correlation coefficient with weighted kappa (wK) value was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.80∼0.92). And test-retest of the remote assessment indicated an excellent agreement beyond chance, and its correlation coefficient with wK value was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.92∼1.00). It took 74.44±55.3 s to complete the bedside assessment and 90.86±63.30 s to complete the remote assessment of Longshi Scale. There was no statistical significance in the assessment duration between these two methods (P = 0.056). Satisfaction surveys showed more than 85% of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with remote Longshi scale assessment. ConclusionsThe remote assessment of Longshi Scale with smartphone video calls is reliable and has high acceptance. This method can be readily implemented to evaluate the ADL of stroke patients to improve the capacity of rehabilitation and health services in remote areas.

Evaluation of an assessment scale for aesthetic outcome in breast reconstructions based on digital photos in both 2D and 3D format

The aesthetic outcome is crucial in a breast reconstruction. Our aim was to evaluate the intra- and interrater reliability of an aesthetic outcome assessment scale with digital photos of breast reconstructions in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) format. Thirty-three women with delayed breast reconstructions, consecutively participating in a five-year follow-up between November 2019 and June 2021, were included in the study. Of these, 14 were reconstructed with an expander prosthesis (EP) and 19 with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Photos of the breasts were assessed in 2D and 3D format by expert, layman and patient panels. Data were analysed with the weighted kappa (wk) statistics. The intrarater agreements were moderate to substantial, with wk between 0.66 and 0.73 for the panels. Within the panels, the interrater agreements were 0.46–0.62. Moderate agreements were found between the matched 2D and 3D format photos (wk 0.62–0.66). The patient panel graded scar appearance worse in 3D compared with 2D format. In all panels, there was a tendency towards DIEP flap reconstructions receiving higher aesthetic outcome grades compared with EP. Thus, the aesthetic outcome assessment scale demonstrated acceptable agreements between the individual panellists and within the panels. Scars captured in 3D format may provide a greater resemblance to the reality compared with 2D. Implications for clinics remain to be further studied.