Screening for psychosocial risk in Dutch families of a child with cancer: Reliability, validity, and usability of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool

Abstract

Objective The Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) was developed to screen for psychosocial risk in families of a child diagnosed with cancer. The current study is the first describing the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, validity, and usability of the PAT in an European country (Dutch translation). Methods A total of 117 families (response rate 59%) of newly diagnosed children with cancer completed the PAT2.0 and validation measures. Results Acceptable reliability was obtained for the PAT total score (α=.72) and majority of subscales (0.50-0.82). Two subscales showed inadequate internal consistency (Social Support α=.19; Family Beliefs α=.20). Validity and usability were adequate. Of the families, 66% scored low (Universal), 29% medium (Targeted), and 5% high (Clinical) risk. Conclusions This study confirms the cross-cultural applicability, reliability, and validity of the PAT total score. Reliability left room for improvement on subscale level. Future research should indicate whether the PAT can be used to provide cost-effective care.