Psychometric validation of the Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0

Abstract

Background. Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) pose a major challenge for people living with an ostomy. To avoid severe PSCs, it is important that people with an ostomy check their peristomal skin condition on a regular basis and seek professional help when needed. Aim. To validate a new ostomy skin tool (OST 2.0) that will make regular assessment of the peristomal skin easier. Methods. Seventy subjects participating in a clinical trial were eligible for the analysis and data used for the validation. Item-level correlation with anchors, inter-item correlations, convergent validity of domains, test-retest reliability, anchor- and distribution-based methods for assessment of meaningful change were all part of the psychometric validation of the tool. Results. A final tool was established including six patient reported outcome items and automatic assessment of the discolored peristomal area. Follow-up with cognitive debriefing interviews assured that the concepts were considered relevant for people with an ostomy. Conclusion. The OST 2.0 demonstrated evidence supporting its reliability and validity as an outcome measure to capture both visible and non-visible peristomal skin complications.