Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of Modified Quality Assessment Scale for Dysphagia Nursing in Visiting Nurses

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to modify a quality assessment scale of dysphagia nursing (QASDN) for visiting nurse and to evaluate its validity and the reliability. Methods : The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Aichi Prefectural College of Nursing & Health. Thirty-nine QASDN items were developed based on a literature review and assessed by five experts in dysphasia nursing. We modified the QASDN composed of 52 items. A questionnaire survey by mail regarding QASDN was conducted among 228 nurses who work at visiting nursing stations. Results : Valid responses to the QASDN were obtained from 177 visiting nurses. Forty-nine items were selected from considering the mean results. Construct validity was analyzed by factor analysis. Four factors were obtained, 'assessment and practice of risk management,' 'assessment of swallowing function,' 'practice of dysphagia rehabilitation,' and 'evaluation and coordination.' Reliability was analyzed by internal consistency. Cronbach's a was 0.95 for overall scores. Conclusion : These results suggested that the modified QASDN for visiting nurses has high validity and reliability.