The information needs of patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers: A short report of instrument development and testing
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
WB Saunders
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to assess the reliability and scaling assumptions of an information needs questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their caregivers. Background: Patients with HNC have specific information needs but no tools exist that can simultaneously assess the needs among these patients and their caregivers. Methods: The Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ) was adapted from a validated information needs questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Participants were recruited from two regionally-defined cancer services in NSW, Australia. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Scaling assumptions, specifically item convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed using multi-trait scaling analysis. Results: The HaNiQ showed good internal consistency reliability for both patients and caregivers (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94 for both) and scaling assumptions were met, with acceptable item convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: The HaNiQ appears reliable, and would benefit from further testing.
DOI
10.1016/j.apnr.2012.08.001
Comments
Dall'Armi, L., Simpson, G. K., Forstner, D., Simpson, T., Roydhouse, J. K. & White, K., J. (2013) The information needs of patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers: A short report of instrument development and testing. Applied Nursing Research 26(1) 40-41. Available here