Development and preliminary evaluation of the Conventional Medicine Disclosure Index

Abstract

Background: Non-disclosure of conventional medicine use to complementary medicine health professionals may result in patient harm. Currently, no standardised validated instrument is available to measure reasons for conventional medicine disclosure or non-disclosure. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional index for identifying reasons for conventional medicine disclosure and non-disclosure by patients. Methods: Drawing upon a sub-sample of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Health Literacy Disclosure Study (N = 520), a formative measurement approach was used to develop a Conventional Medicine Disclosure Index (CONMED-DI). Variance-based structural equation modelling employing partial least squares evaluated multicollinearity, significance and relevance of the formative indicators to their associated primary constructs. Results: The CONMED-DI demonstrated adequate construct validity suggesting the CONMED-DI is a pragmatic measure to determine the reasons why people choose to disclose (or not) their conventional medicine use. The CONMED-DI contains 2 second-order measurement models, both with three sub-domains. Conclusion: The CONMED-DI serves as a preliminary instrument primarily of value to researchers interested in exploring the complementary medicine clinical encounter. The development of targeted interventions that promote disclosure of conventional medicine can be facilitated through understanding patients' reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure and optimise patients’ safe use of medicines.