Validated Assessment Scales Research Articles

Construction of a competency evaluation model for Clinical Research Coordinators in China: a study based on the Delphi method and questionnaire survey

PurposeAs the number of clinical trials in China continues to grow, the assessment of competency of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), who play a crucial role in clinical trials, has become...

NursPainPrevent: A Prospective Observational Study on Pain During a Bed Bath

BackgroundAlthough bed baths are known to cause pain, the engendered pain frequency and intensity remain poorly studied. This prospective, observational study was undertaken to examine prospectively, on a given day, patients’ bed bath-associated pain in the general in-hospital population. MethodsEight external investigators observed 166 bed baths given in 23 units in 5 hospitals. Using validated assessment scales specific to the patients’ clinical situations, they established pain scores. ResultsExpert observers rated bed bath-induced pain as moderate-to-severe for 48% of the patients, among whom 51.9% had not received prophylactic analgesia prior to the procedure. Only 7.2% benefited from evaluation with a validated pain scale. Astute attention-distraction techniques were applied to shift attention during 16.8% of the bed baths. Caregivers used verbal guidance for 85% of the procedures, and adapted touch and rhythm of the gestures for 84.3%. ConclusionBed baths generate moderate-to-severe pain intensity. Evaluation and recourse to analgesia remain insufficient despite caregivers’ attention accorded to patient comfort and positioning. Clinical ImplicationsThe results of this study could contribute to sensitizing professionals to preventing pain linked with routine nursing care. Four axes for improvement were highlighted: evaluation improvement, analgesia, nonpharmacological approaches, and adapted mobilization techniques.

Adaptation and development of the instruction manual for a videoconference-based Motor Assessment Scale: validity, reliability and measurement error of Tele-MAS

Purpose To develop an instruction manual to administer the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) via videoconferencing (Tele-MAS), investigate its validity, reliability and measurement error. Materials and methods In-person assessment, conducted at the participant’s home, was compared to remote assessment conducted by rater A. Then, within two days, the rater B, repeat the remote assessment (n = 41). Part of the sample (n = 10) was assessed again within seven days by rater A to determine test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity, agreement of alternate forms (in-person x remote) for total score and reliability of individual items were analyzed using respectively the Pearson correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plots and weighted Kappa (Kw). Interrater and test-retest reliability were analyzed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal detectable changes (MDC) were computed. Results The Tele-MAS instruction manual was developed. In-person MAS and Tele-MAS present a high positive correlation (r = 0.97). Bland-Altman plots showed adequate agreement (MD=-0.0 point). Most Individual items showed excellent reliability (Kw > 0.70). Tele-MAS showed excellent interrater (ICC(2,1)=0.92) and test-retest (ICC(3,1)=0.98) reliability. Tele-MAS presents a SEM = 3% and MDC = 8%. Conclusion The Tele-MAS is a valid and reliable global motor assessment scale to be applied in individuals after stroke.

WeChat assisted electronic symptom measurement for patients with adenomyosis

PurposeSymptom assessment is central to appropriate adenomyosis management. Using a WeChat mini-program-based portal, we aimed to establish a valid symptom assessment scale of adenomyosis (AM-SAS) to precisely and timely identify needs of symptom management and ultimately, to alert disease recurrence.MethodsA combination of intensive interviews of patients with adenomyosis and natural language processing on WeChat clinician-patient group communication was used to generate a pool of symptom items-related to adenomyosis. An expert panel shortened the list to form the provisional AM-SAS. The AM-SAS was built in a Wechat mini-programmer and sent to patients to exam the psychotically validity and clinical applicability through classic test theory and item response theory.ResultsTotal 338 patients with adenomyosis (29 for interview, 179 for development, and 130 for external validation) and 86 gynecologists were included. The over 90% compliance to the WeChat-based symptom evaluate. The AM-SAS demonstrated the uni-dimensionality through Rasch analysis, good internal consistency (all Cronbach’s alphas above 0.8), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.84). Differences symptom severity score between patients in the anemic and normal hemoglobin groups (3.04 ± 3.17 vs. 5.68 ± 3.41, P < 0.001). In external validation, AM-SAS successfully detected differences in symptom burden and physical status between those with or without relapse.ConclusionElectronic PRO-based AM-SAS is a valuable instrument for monitoring AM-related symptoms. As an outcome measure of multiple symptoms in clinical trials, the AM-SAS may identify patients who need extensive care after discharge and capture significant beneficial changes of patients may have been overlooked.Trial registrationThis trial was approved by the institutional review board of the Chongqing Medical University and three participating hospitals (Medical Ethics Committee of Nanchong Central Hospital, Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, and Medical Ethics Committee of Haifu Hospital) and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number ChiCTR2000038590), date of registration was 26/10/2020.

An Empirical Investigation on Healthcare Professionals' Work Ethic and Ethical Attitudes: The Impact of Leadership Qualities on Ethics Construct and Professional Behaviors

The ability to act ethically is essential for providing high-quality treatment, yet there is a dearth of qualitative research on healthcare practitioners' perceptions of ethical competence. In this study, the ethical competence of healthcare practitioners was examined in the context of student healthcare. The way healthcare is delivered is changing, calling for adjustments to descriptions of and frameworks for ethical leadership. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between various leadership styles and healthcare professionals' conceptions of and attitudes toward work ethics. Participants in a cross-sectional study that employed the snowball sampling technique were healthcare professionals. The survey used in this study was divided into two sections: the first section collected data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, and the second section contained three validated assessment scales, including inquiries about work ethics, ethical attitudes for public health professionals, and leadership abilities. Higher work ethics and a higher intrinsic work motivation subscale were significantly correlated with high leadership administrative skills (Beta = 6.04, p = 0.019 and Beta = 2.55, p 0.001, respectively). However, a lower intrinsic work motivation subscale was associated with higher leadership conceptual skills (Beta = 1.07, p = 0.027). Stronger leadership and administrative skills were found to be significantly correlated with higher ethical attitudes scores (Beta = 28.39, p 0.001). The work ethic in the delivery of various public health services is significantly improved by higher administrative leadership. Leadership abilities can considerably predict an individual's ethical attitude and professional behavior and are not restricted to a particular profession, experience, or stage of a person's career in the healthcare industry

Balancing Act: Considerations for profiloplasty assessment in patients presenting for treatment with dermal fillers

Background: Dermal fillers are increasingly being used in profile aesthetic correction, but what happens if treatment is commenced without considering the impact on the inter-relationship between the nose, chin and lips in the lateral view? Objectives: Explore the relationship between these three profile features and provide a framework to help standardise the order in which they are assessed when preparing dermal filler treatment plans for profile correction. Methods: Literature review informed the development survey on profile aesthetics and assessment. Survey results were analysed descriptively and presented to a focus group comprising cosmetic physicians and plastic surgeons. This group reviewed validated assessment scales and incorporated these into a 3-step assessment framework, which was pilot-tested on a convenience sample of patients presenting prospectively for minimally invasive aesthetic treatment. Results: There was a 95% survey response rate (38/40 surveys completed). Facial feature proportion was rated the most important factor when determining profile attractiveness (average score 9.11) and the nose was ranked the primary feature contributing to the determination of profile attractiveness. The assessment framework begins with the nose, followed by the chin and then the lips and includes validated assessment scales and standard angles and lines. Results from pilot testing showed that by first balancing the nose, other key profile features could then be harmonised. Conclusions: In patients presenting for cosmetic injections to correct profile aesthetics the assessment framework provides a simple solution to enhance clinician-patient discussion and inform holistic treatment planning. Wider testing and validation are warranted.

Developing and Validating a Soft Skills Assessment Scale for Psychoeducational Assessment

There are concerns that soft skills assessment has been conceptualized within the Western context and may not reflect the indigenous African worldview. Without relevant soft skills assessment contextualized in the African cultural cosmology, there is a limitation in assessing African conceptions of abilities. The purpose of this study was to identify relevant soft skills for secondary/high school students and develop a scale relevant for assessing soft skills in Botswana. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used to explore the perceptions of 23 education stakeholders on relevant soft skills for secondary students through in-depth interviews. The qualitative findings were used to develop a 63-item Soft Skills Assessment Scale which was administered to a sample of 306 senior secondary school students selected from three educational regions in Botswana. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the latent factor structure of the scale. Through principal component analysis, four factors were extracted with underlying 38 items. However, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a four-factor model (Perseverance, Civic virtue, Teamwork, and Communication) based on a final 14-item scale with Cronbach’s alphas above .60 and Cronbach’s alpha of .82 for the entire scale. Convergent and discriminant validities of the scale were within an acceptable range. The key contribution of this study was the development of a psychometrically valid and reliable Soft Skills Assessment Scale (SSAS) in the context of Botswana.

Healthy aging of frail older adults in the community: A hybrid concept analysis

Purpose: Although a stream of ‘healthy aging’ has been created, there is no consensus on defining healthy aging perceived by frail older adults. This study was conducted to investigate the concept of healthy aging perceived by frail older adults. Methods: The hybrid model consisted of three phases. In the theoretical phase, defining characteristics of healthy aging among frail older adults were identified through a literature review. A total of 1,166 articles were screened, and 32 relative articles were included. During the field phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine frail older adults who met the frailty criteria, and the data were analyzed through content analysis. In the final phase, based on the analysis of the literature review and qualitative interviews, a final definition of healthy aging in frail older adults was extracted. Results: The concept of healthy aging perceived by frail older adults was found in cognitive, behavioral, psychological, social and independent domains. For the frail older adults, healthy aging refers to the ability to maintain one’s own health through self-management, accept aging and natural death with a positive outlook, and be independent without relying on others. Conclusion: In frail older adults, healthy aging consists of a number of multidimensional domains and 10 attributes, including maintaining health, accepting the process of aging, being positive, and being independent. Using this final definition, health promotion strategies could be developed to achieve the optimal goal. To provide effective interventions to frail older adults, further research is needed to develop a reliable and valid assessment scale.

Over a third of palliative medicine physicians meet burnout criteria: Results from a survey study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Palliative medicine physicians may be at higher risk of burnout due to increased stressors and compromised resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout prevalence and factors influencing this among UK and Irish palliative medicine physicians is unknown. Aim: To determine the prevalence of burnout and the degree of resilience among UK and Irish palliative medicine physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated factors. Design: Online survey using validated assessment scales assessed burnout and resilience: The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel [MBI-HSS (MP)] and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Additional tools assessed depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and quality of life. Setting/participants: Association of Palliative Medicine of UK and Ireland members actively practising in hospital, hospice or community settings. Results: There were 544 respondents from the 815 eligible participants (66.8%), 462 provided complete MBI-HSS (MP) data and were analysed. Of those 181/462 (39.2%) met burnout criteria, based on high emotional exhaustion or depersonalisation subscales of the MBI-HSS (MP). A reduced odds of burnout was observed among physicians who worked ⩽20 h/week (vs 31–40 h/week, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.002–0.56) and who had a greater perceived level of clinical support (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62–0.80). Physicians with higher levels of depressive symptoms had higher odds of burnout (aOR 18.32, 95% CI 6.75–49.73). Resilience, mean (SD) CD-RISC score, was lower in physicians who met burnout criteria compared to those who did not (62.6 (11.1) vs 70.0 (11.3); p < 0.001). Conclusions: Over one-third of palliative medicine physicians meet burnout criteria. The provision of enhanced organisational and colleague support is paramount in both the current and future pandemics.

Anxiety Rating Scale for Speech and Hearing-impaired Children.

It has been observed that children with special healthcare needs exhibit higher dental anxiety levels because of various barriers. In the literature, there is no anxiety assessment scale for speech and hearing-impaired children. A new concept of pictorial representation of common emotions observed during dental treatment was used to design an innovative scale, thereby helping to improve communication and in bringing out positive behavior among the children. This study aimed to assess and validate the efficacy of an anxiety rating scale for speech and hearing-impaired children. A total of 36-12-year-old children with speech and hearing impairments from a special school were selected for this study. The pretreatment anxiety score among the children was assessed using the pictorial anxiety rating scale. The anxiety rating scale was well accepted by speech and hearing-impaired children. It was well-supported by expert opinions and equal distribution of anxiety scores. The pictorial scale is a valid anxiety assessment scale for measuring dental anxiety among speech and hearing-impaired children. It can be used independently to assess dental anxiety in clinical settings and epidemiological studies as well. Shivashankarappa PG, Kaur J, Adimoulame S. Anxiety Rating Scale for Speech and Hearing-impaired Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):704-706.

The Study of a Validated Assessment Scale for a Localized Submental Fat Volume.

This aim of this study was to develop an objective tool for rating submental fat applied to Koreans. The study was conducted between April 2019 and October 2019. A total of 92 subjects were enrolled in the study. Clinical photos of the subjects were categorized using validated CR-SMFRS by three plastic surgeons and one dermatologist. The categorized photos were then shown to six different plastic surgeons for evaluation. The Cohen's kappa value for the six raters were 0.830, 0.742, 0.703, 0.907, 0.862, and 0.793 with statistical significance (p < 0.001). ICC value was between 0.860 and 0.966 (p < 0.001). Since the Cohen's value and ICC were above 0.6 for all raters, the ratings performed by all six raters were used in the analysis. The ICC values between raters were between 0.899 and 0.902. We came up with a set of reference photos that can be used for submental fat rating scale applicable to Korean subjects. II.

A clinical bulbar assessment scale (CBAS) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Comprehensive and valid bulbar assessment scales for use within amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinics are critically needed. The aims of this study are to develop the Clinical Bulbar Assessment Scale (CBAS) and complete preliminary validation. The authors selected CBAS items from among the literature and expert opinion, and content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated. Following consent, the CBAS was administered to a pilot sample of English-speaking adults with El Escorial defined ALS (N=54) from a multidisciplinary clinic, characterizing speech, swallowing, and extrabulbar features. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating CBAS scores with commonly used ALS scales, and internal consistency reliability was obtained. Expert raters reported strong agreement for the CBAS items (CVR=1.00; 100% agreement). CBAS scores yielded a moderate, significant, negative correlation with ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) total scores (r=-0.652, p < .001), and a strong, significant, negative correlation with ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale scores (r=-0.795, p < .001). There was a strong, significant, positive correlation with Center for Neurologic Studies Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) scores (r=0.819, p < .001). CBAS scores were significantly higher for bulbar onset (mean=38.9% of total possible points, SD=22.6) than spinal onset (mean=18.7%, SD=15.8; p=.004). Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) values were: (a) total CBAS, α=0.889; (b) Speech subscale, α=0.903; and (c) Swallowing subscale, α=0.801. The CBAS represents a novel means of standardized bulbar data collection using measures of speech, swallowing, respiratory, and cognitive-linguistic skills. Preliminary evidence suggests the CBAS is a valid, reliable scale for clinical assessment of bulbar dysfunction.

CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF LEADERSHIP ARCHETYPES SCALE FOR BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Literature suggests that people hold different perceptions of leadership, particularly ideal leadership, and associated characteristics. Building on this, it was proposed that an instrument that could assess local views or ‘archetypes’ of what a leader should be like can be helpful in Pakistani organizational settings. Owing to the dearth of a reliable and valid scale for assessment of leadership archetypes in business settings, this study aimed to develop the Leadership Archetypes Scale. Initially item pool of 90 statements was formulated with the aid of previous literature and interviews with 30 business sector employees. Advice from subject matter experts resulted in the final selection of 81 items which were put through an EFA after obtaining data form 365 employees. A five-factor solution containing 57 items was suggested and it was confirmed through a CFA on an independent sample (N = 359). Keywords: Leadership, archetypes, Leadership Archetype Scale, Business leadership

How Fast Can Nurses Learn Therapeutic Communication Skills? A Pilot Study on Brief Hypnotic Communication Training Conducted with Oncology Nurses

Objective: This project aimed to train nurses on an oncology unit in hypnotic communication to reduce treatment-related pain and anxiety in their patients. A pilot study was conducted to assess changes in hypnotic communication behaviors associated with the training. Methods: Nurses were recruited and their interactions during a simulated patient admission for treatment (before and after training) were recorded. Hypnotic communication skills were assessed by independent reviewers using a training checklist listing different hypnotic communication techniques and a validated assessment scale (Sainte-Justine Hypnotic Communication Assessment Scale, SJ-HCAS). Results: Seven nurses were evaluated. Wilcoxon paired-sample tests (pre–post) reported significant improvement with large effect sizes in the total score of the training grid (P = 0.034, r = 0.832) and significant improvement with large effect sizes in the relational (P = 0.018, r = 0.930) and total (P = 0.021, r = 0.903) scores of the SJ-HCAS. Conclusion: This pilot study shows promising results regarding the effectiveness of hypnotic communication training for nurses. These acquired skills could translate into improved treatment experience with patients and could be transferred to other professionals and settings in the health care system.

Validity and reliability of the Duruöz Hand Index in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

This study aims to investigate the validity, reliability and clinimetric features of the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Between October 2019 and January 2020, a total of 78 patients (28 males, 50 females; mean age: 46.4±9.4 years; range, 20 to 65 years) who presented with pain in the forearm and were diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis were included in the study. The patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEEQ), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire at Weeks 0, 1 and 4. The DHI reliability (Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlation [ICC]), validity and factor analyses were performed with the data of 70 and 49 patients who attended to follow-up visit at Weeks 1 and 4. The effect size (ES), standard response mean (SRM), and minimum detectable change (MDC) values of the DHI were calculated. Of the patients, 84.6% were right-handed. The ICC coefficients of DHI were found to be perfect with the test-retest method (ICC; total=0.943). It showed a well-excellent consistency with the internal consistency method (Cronbach alpha; total=0.90). In the structural validity of the DHI, it was very strongly correlated with the DASH (r=0.801; p<0.01), strongly correlated with the PRTEEQ and HAQ total scores (r=0.793; p<0.01; r=0.785; p<0.01), and acceptably correlated with PRTEEQ pain score (r=0.570; p<0.01). The DHI was acceptably correlated with the VAS and grip strength as measured by the hand dynamometer (p<0.05). In our study, three main factors were obtained and MDC and responsiveness sensitivity were found to be moderate (MDC=4.4; SEM=1.61; ES=0.246 p<0.001; SRM=0.538 p<0.001). Duruöz Hand Index is a reliable, valid, and practical functional assessment scale in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Work Ethics and Ethical Attitudes among Healthcare Professionals: The Role of Leadership Skills in Determining Ethics Construct and Professional Behaviors.

(1) Background: The provision of healthcare is transforming, necessitating changes in descriptions and frameworks for ethical leadership. This study aimed to assess the association of the different leadership skills with the work ethical constructs and attitudes among healthcare professionals. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study design using a snowball sampling technique was used to enroll healthcare practitioners. The questionnaire used in this study included two parts: the first part gathered the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, while the second part consisted of three validated assessment scales, i.e., work ethics, ethical attitudes questionnaire for public health professionals, and leadership skills questionnaire. (3) Results: Higher work ethics and a higher intrinsic work motivation subscale were significantly associated with high leadership administrative skills (Beta = 6.04, p = 0.019, and Beta = 2.55, p < 0.001, respectively). However, higher leadership conceptual skills (Beta = −1.07, p = 0.027) were associated with a lower intrinsic work motivation subscale. Higher leadership administrative skills (Beta = 28.39, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher ethical attitudes scores. (4) Conclusions: Higher administrative leadership has an imperative positive impact on work ethic in the provision of different public health services. Leadership skills are not limited to a specific profession, experience, or career stage of health care, and could significantly predict the individual ethical attitude and professional behavior.

Impact of Cultural Competency Training in Naturopathic Medical Students: Self-Assessed Changes in Awareness, Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

Introduction: Cultural competency training is a growing requirement in medical schools across North America. Although accredited naturopathic medical schools now include some elements of cultural competency training throughout their programs, no literature to date has evaluated the effect of cultural competency curriculum among naturopathic medical students. This study evaluated the impact of a cultural competency training program of 4th-year naturopathic medical students at an accredited naturopathic medical educational institution in North America. Methods: Pre- and post-training online surveys were completed by naturopathic medical students using a 1 to 5 numerical scale (least to most confident), self-evaluating their awareness, knowledge, skills, and willingness to change behaviours, with some survey items adapted from the short version of the Cross-Cultural Care Survey (Harvard). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a paired two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine changes between pre- and post-training responses. Results: Out of 134 students enrolled in the training, 46 participants completed both the pre- and post-training surveys and were included in the final analysis. There was a statistically significant increase in self-rated confidence from pre- to post-training across all individual survey items spanning improvements in cultural competency awareness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes among students who completed both surveys. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that cultural competency training of naturopathic students may improve their subjective assessment of their awareness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to working with diversity in clinical practice. Future research would benefit from using validated assessment scales, reducing loss to follow up, and investigating factors such as social demographics, prior training, and lived experience amongst participants.

Translation, adaptation, and validation of the Self-efficacy in Palliative Care scale (SEPC) for use in Swedish healthcare settings

BackgroundOne challenge for healthcare professionals when delivering palliative care can be their lack of confidence. The Self-efficacy in Palliative Care Scale (SEPC) is considered a valid and reliable assessment scale to evaluate confidence when delivering palliative care. Currently, there is not a reliable instrument aimed to measure healthcare professionals’ confidence in palliative care in Swedish. Therefore, this study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the SEPC-scale for use in a Swedish healthcare context.MethodsThis study applied the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for translating and adapting instruments, using forward and back-translation, an expert panel, and cognitive interviews. Swedish experts in palliative care (n = 6) assessed the Swedish version of the SEPC-scale based on its relevance, understandability, clarity, and sensitivity on a Likert scale. Methods involved calculation of content validity index (CVI) with modified kappa statistics and cognitive interviewing with healthcare professionals (n = 10) according to the “think-aloud” method.ResultsCalculation of I-CVI (Item-CVI) showed that the Swedish SEPC-scale was considered relevant but needed some modifications to improve its understandability and clarity. The experts recognized an absence of precision in some items that affected clarity and understanding. Likewise, the healthcare professionals highlighted some challenges with understandability and clarity. They indicated that the scale was relevant, but a few items needed adjustment to fit a broader range of healthcare professionals. Items that referred to death and dying could be sensitive but were considered relevant.ConclusionsThe SEPC-scale is considered valid for use in Swedish healthcare practice, for a broad range of healthcare professionals, and for diagnoses other than cancer. This study shows that cultural adaptation is necessary for establishing relevance and enabling acceptance to various healthcare professionals and contexts in the target country.

Assessing the quality of faculty-delivered individual academic advising

PurposeThis study aims to describe the development and validation of a student survey instrument to assess academic advising services. The instrument was based on the SERVQUAL scale, a well-known instrument for service quality.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative methodology was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a survey instrument adapted from SERVQUAL. Survey responses were collected from 457 students at a large public university in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to validate and develop the assessment instrument.FindingsA validated assessment scale for academic advising services was generated, which consists of three distinct advising service dimensions: information resources, reliability and empathy. For the study participants, information resources and empathy were found to significantly influence satisfaction with advising.Practical implicationsThis study describes the development and validation of a concise nine-item survey instrument that may be used by practitioners to evaluate three distinct dimensions of advising service quality: information resources, reliability and empathy.Originality/valueThis research develops and validates a survey instrument to assess academic advising services based on the SERVQUAL scale using structural equation modeling.

Valid and reliable neonatal near-miss assessment scale in Ethiopia: a psychometric validation

ABSTRACT Background The concept of a neonatal near miss is used to explain neonates who nearly died but survived a life-threatening complication in the first 28 days of life. We have left many ill surviving (near-miss) neonates, due to a lack of valid and reliable assessment scale, particularly in Ethiopia. Aim We aim to psychometrically validate the neonatal near-miss assessment scale (NNMAS) for Ethiopia. Methods A total of 465 live birth neonates were included with the assumption of a participant-to-item ratio of 15:1. A new contextually validated NNMAS was used to collect data. The Kaiseri––Mayer––Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy with a cutoff value of ≥0.50 for each item was applied. For reliability and validity of NNMAS, exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with oblique varimax rotation was used. Internal consistency and reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed using composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE). Results The Kaiser––Mayer––Olkin (KMO = 0.74) measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s Sphericity test for the appropriateness of the identity matrix (χ 2 = 2903.9, df = 276, and P = 0.000) were suitable for exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The correlation matrix determinant of the study was 0.002. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified six factors and together explained 54.3% of the variation in the Neonatal Near miss. The Cronbach-alpha coefficient was 0.80 for the entire scale. The composite reliability values of the factors ranged from 0.87 to 0.95. The AVEs, CR, and factor loadings were above 0.5 for all factors indicating that convergent validity was met. The square roots of the AVEs were greater than factor correlation values. It was revealed that discriminated validity was also met. Conclusion The neonatal near-miss assessment scale was found to be valid and reliable in the present context. The scale can be used to identify near-miss neonates in Ethiopia.