Development and Psychometric Validation of a Scale to Assess Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation: The INCR Tool

Objective: to develop and psychometrically-validate a tool to assess information needs in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Methods: After a literature search, 60 information items were identified. To establish content validity, they were reviewed by an expert panel (N=10). Refined items were pilot-tested in 34 patients on a 5-point Likert-scale from 1 “really not helpful” to 5 “very important”. A final version was generated and psychometrically-tested in 203 CR patients. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the dimensional structure through AN EXPLORATORY factor analysis, and criterion validity was assessed with regard to patient’s education and duration in CR. Results: Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 and ICC was 0.85. Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in mean scores by educational level (p<0.05) and duration in CR (p<0.001). Factor analysis revealed six factors: exercise/stress/risk; heart/work/social; medication; safety; nutrition; and barriers/goals.. The mean total score was 4.08±0.53. Patients rated safety as their greatest information need. Conclusion: The INCR Tool was demonstrated to have good reliability and validity. Practice Implications: This is an appropriate tool for application in clinical and research settings, assessing patients’ needs during CR and as part of education programming.