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
Keywords
article, Australia, caregiver, cross-sectional study, head and neck tumor, health service, human, nursing, psychological aspect, questionnaire, reproducibility, validation study, Caregivers, Cross-Sectional Studies, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, New South Wales, Questionnaires, Reproducibility of Results
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.
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