Development and Psychometric Properties of TQWL-42 to Measure the Quality of Work Life

Abstract The objective of this study was to construct and validate an instrument that evaluates the Quality of Work Life (QWL) globally, following the WHOQOL instruments and founded in QWL's classical theoretical models, directed to the contemporary society. The psychometric properties tested were content validity, face validity, internal consistency, criterion validity, concurrent validity and test-retest reliability in an application to 283 individuals. The final version of the instrument is constituted by 47 questions, being five to sample knowledge and 42 divided in five spheres that contemplate QWL's dimensions. For the results calculation a SPSS syntax and a tool in Microsoft Excel that perform the automated calculation after the data tabulation were developed. The psychometric properties tested were satisfactory. We conclude that the goal of validating a global instrument for evaluation of QWL from the contemporary society culture with satisfactory psychometrical characteristics was reached.

Adaptación y validación de un instrumento con la metodología SERVQUAL en clínicas de docencia y servicios estomatológicos / Adaptation and validation of an instrument with SERVQUAL methodology in teaching clinics and stomatological services

Resumen: Objetivo: Adaptar y validar un instrumento para evaluar la calidad, en las clínicas de docencia y Servicio de Estomatología con la metodología SERVQUAL. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, observacional y prospectivo validado con una alfa de Cronbach. Se diseñó un instrumento con la metodología de SERVQUAL de Parasuraman, Zeithaml y Berry (P, Z y B) aplicándose a una muestra aleatoria estratificada constituida por 400 pacientes de las clínicas de docencia y servicio de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP). Para su elaboración se tomaron en cuenta las cinco dimensiones propuestas por los autores: tangibilidad, fiabilidad, capacidad de respuesta, seguridad y empatía. Resultados: El instrumento reportó una validez clasificable como excelente de acuerdo (criterios de George y Mallery) con un valor alfa de Cronbach de 0.967 para la primera parte del instrumento correspondiente a «expectativas¼ y la segunda parte correspondiente a «percepciones¼ con 0.923. Discusión: Derivado de la validación a través del análisis factorial y los altos índices obtenidos con el índice del alfa de Cronbach ambas partes del instrumento permanecieron sin cambio. Conclusiones: En los servicios de salud existen un gran número de instrumentos validados para identificar el grado de satisfacción, sin embargo, cada instrumento debe identificar y ubicar en cada una de las dimensiones del modelo seleccionando los procesos realizados en los servicios a evaluar para obtener resultados objetivos. La confiablidad, validez y aplicabilidad del instrumento cumplió con esas expectativas.

Abstract: Objective: Adaptation and validation of an instrument designed to evaluate quality in teaching clinics and stomatological services with SERVQUAL methodology. Material and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional observational and prospective study validated with alpha Cronbach coefficient. Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (P, Z and B) designed an instrument with SERVQUAL methodology; it was applied to a stratified, randomized sample composed of 400 patients coming from teaching clinics and services of the Emeritum Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP). For manufacture of said sample the following five dimensions proposed by authors were taken into account: tangibility, reliability, response capacity, security and empathy. Results: Instrument reported validity classifiable as excellent, according to an 0.967 alpha Cronbach value for the first part of the instrument corresponding to «expectations¼, the second part corresponding to «perceptions¼ rated 0.923. Discussion: Derived from validation through factorial analysis and high indexes obtained with alpha Cronbach index, both parts of the instrument remained without changes. Conclusions: Within the sphere of health services there is a great number of instruments validated to identify the level of satisfaction, nevertheless, each instrument must identify and locate within the dimensions of the selected model processes conducted in services to be evaluated, in order to obtain objective results. Reliability, validity and applicability of the instrument met with aforementioned expectations.

Propuesta de instrumento para evaluar la calidad percibida por pacientes tratados por cirugía de mínimo acceso / Proposition of a questionnaire to evaluate the patient-perceived quality on minimal access surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirugía de mínimo acceso ha tenido un desarrollo importante en las últimas dos décadas en Cuba. La satisfacción de la población con estos servicios, de innegable predilección por su efectividad e inocuidad, es cada vez mayor, sin embargo en la actualidad el nivel de satisfacción de los pacientes sobre bases científicas no se conoce. Objetivo: Elaborar y validar por expertos un instrumento para medir la percepción de la calidad de la atención médica que tienen los pacientes operados por cirugía de mínimo acceso. Métodos: Se elaboró y validó por expertos, un instrumento de medición, incluida la encuesta y estándares, para evaluar la calidad de la atención médica percibida por los pacientes operados, en las dimensiones de estructura, proceso y resultado. Resultados: El 100 por ciento de las preguntas fueron consideradas por los expertos justificables y pertinentes en el instrumento. Tres preguntas no cumplieron alguno de los requisitos de Moriyama y fueron modificadas. Fueron incorporados nuevos ítems relacionados fundamentalmente con procesos de atención médica. Se modificó la escala ordinal de Likert de cinco pasos por una de cuatro pasos. Se fijaron los estándares de calidad iguales o superiores al 80 por ciento, para cada uno de los tres niveles: por cada dimensión, por cada criterio para el conjunto de evaluados y por cada paciente según todos los criterios. Conclusión: El estudio aporta un instrumento validado por expertos, para evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes en el ámbito de la cirugía de mínimo acceso(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the last two decades Minimal Access Surgery has had an important development in Cuba. Patient satisfaction with these services is higher, nevertheless today it is not well knows on a scientific basis. Objective: design and validate by experts a measurement instrument to assess the patient-perceived quality of patients operated by minimal access surgery. Methods: A measurement instrument, including questionnaire and standards, was developed and validated by experts, to evaluate the patient-perceived quality in the dimensions structure, process and results. Results: The experts considered the one hundred percent of questions in the instrument justified and relevant. Only three questions no fulfilled with one of the Moriyama's requirement and were improved. New items related with processes criteria were included. The ordinal 5-point Likert scale was modified to 4-point scale. Quality standards were fixed to 80 percent or higher for each of three levels: each dimension, each criterion for all evaluated and each patient according to all criteria. Conclusion: The study shows a validated instrument by experts to evaluate the patient's satisfaction in minimal access surgery(AU)

Confounding factors in research for characteristics of acupoint electrical impedance / 中国针灸

The literature regarding the electrical characteristics of acupoints was reviewed, and the confounding factors (indoor temperature and humidity, criteria of acupoint selection, use of electrical resistance instruments) were summarized and analyzed. It was proposed that during the measurement, the indoor temperature should be constant and in the state of heat adaptation as much as possible; the effects of humidity on resistance value should be reduced to stabilize the heat loss of skin through evaporation; the acupoint selection and manipulation should be in accordance with agreed standard; attention should be paid to the operation and instruction of the instrument, in combination with experiment purpose. As a result, the repeatability and reliability of research results of electrical characteristics of acupoints could be improved.

Similarity Evaluation of the Dissolution Curves between Generic and Original Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for dissolution determination of Metoprolol tartrate tablets,and to evaluate the similarity of dissolution curves of generics and original drugs. METHODS:The paddle method was adopted with rotational the speed of 50 r/min,using pH 1.2 hydrochloric acid solution,pH 4.5 acetate buffer solution and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution as dissolution media. Fiber-optical drug dissolution real-time measurement instrument was used to determine the dissolution curves of generic and original Metoprolol tartrate tablets with optical distance of 10 mm. Similarity factor (f2) method was used to evaluate its similarity. RESULTS:In 3 dissolution mediums,the f2 of generic and original Metoprolon tartrate tablets were 80.5,66.8, 69.4,respectively,which indicated that the dissolution curves showed similarity. CONCLUSIONS:Established real-time dissolution process analysis method is suitabe for the dissolution determination of Metoprolol tartrate tablets. Generic and eriginal show the sim-ilarity in dissolation behavier,so they have good consistency in quality.

The clinical significance of body composition monitor in assessing the dry weight of hemodialysis patients / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of body composition monitor (BCM) in evaluating the dry weight of hemodialysis patients.Methods Fifty-four hemodialysis patients who reached the dry weight according to clinical assessment were enrolled.The volume load was measured with BCM,and the pre-dialysis blood pressure,plasma B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiogram parameters were recorded.Results BCM results showed that,in 54 hemodialysis patients,15 patients presented overhydration and 13 patients underhydration.According to the results of BCM,all of the 15 overhydration patients and some of the 13 underhydration patients adjusted their dry weight.According to the BCM results and the pre-dialysis blood pressure,the patients were divided into 4 groups:group A (without overhydration,the pre-dialysis blood pressure ＜ 150 mmHg,1 mmHg =0.133 kPa),23 cases;group B (without overhydration,pre-dialysis blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg),16 cases;group C (overhydration,pre-dialysis blood pressure ＜ 150 mmHg),7 cases;and group D (overhydration,pre-dialysis blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg),8 cases.There were no significant differences in pre-dialysis,plasma BNP and the echocardiographic parameters among the 4 groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions BCM is a simple and convenient tool to evaluate the volume status of hemodialysis patients,It can give guidance of dry weight regulation.Compared with the other clinical assessment methods such as pedal edema,the blood pressure and plasma BNP,it is more accurate and practical.

Validación Preliminar de la Escala de Conducta Adaptativa ABS-RC: 2 en España / Preliminary Validation for the Adaptative Behavior Scale ABS-RC:2 in Spain

Resumen: En este estudio se analizan las propiedades psicometricas de la escala ABS-RC:2 al contexto español, la cual evalúa conducta adaptativa en adultos con discapacidad intelectual, constructo determinante para establecer el diagnóstico, la clasificación y las necesidades de apoyo que precisan estas personas. Se aplicó a 198 participantes españoles con discapacidad intelectual entre 18 y 69 años (M=41,8, DE=11,7). Se analizó su consistencia interna con alfa de Cronbach y la correlación de Pearson para los índices test- retest, interevaluadores, validez de criterio e intercorrelación de los ítems. Para el análisis factorial se extrajeron los componentes principales rotándolos con el método Varimax. Los resultados reflejan una adecuada fiabilidad y validez, los dominios de la escala se muestran relevantes y la estructura obtenida de cinco factores se asemeja a la versión original americana. En este estudio preliminar, la adaptación del ABS-RC:2 muestra ser idónea para evaluar la conducta adaptativa y establecer los apoyos necesarios.

Abstract: In this study, psychometric properties of scale ABS-RC:2 in a Spanish context are analyzed. This scale assesses adaptive behavior in adults with intellectual disabilities to determine their diagnosis, classification and supportive needs. The scale was applied to 198 Spanish with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18-69 (M=41,8 DE=11,7). First, the internal consistency was analyzed by Cronbach's Alpha. Pearson's correlation to obtain test-raters indexes, inter-raters, the criterion validity and items intercorrelation. Then, the factor analysis was performed extracting components and making with Varimax rotation method. Results show a suitable validity and reliability. The scale domains are solid and the five-factors structure looks like the original versión. The adaptation seems to fit perfectly to assess the adaptive behavior and to establish necessary supports.

Eficácia coletiva de professores: evidências de validade de construto de um questionário / Teachers' collective efficacy: Construct validity evidence of a questionnaire / Eficacia colectiva de profesores: evidencias de validez de constructo de un cuestionario

O presente artigo descreve a construção e o levantamento de evidências de validade de construto de um instrumento brasileiro para medir a eficácia coletiva de professores. Elaboraram-se 22 itens, em forma de escala tipo Likert de cinco pontos, que contemplam situações e desafios do cotidiano das escolas. Nesses itens, cada professor deveria julgar a atitude do conjunto de professores de sua escola para superar esses desafios. Participaram do estudo 229 professores, de diversos níveis de escolaridade, em vários municípios brasileiros. Uma análise pelos componentes principais e rotação varimax, assumido o valor próprio de 2,0 como critério, revelou estrutura unifatorial que explica 51,26% da variância dos itens. Verificou-se também o alto nível de consistência interna da escala, estimada pelo alfa de Cronbach (α=0,95). São necessárias novas pesquisas sobre a aplicação do questionário em estudos nacionais...

This paper describes the construction process and assessment of construct validity evidence of a Brazilian teachers’ collective efficacy instrument. The questionnaire is comprised of a set of twenty-two 5-point Likert scale items that contemplate situations and challenges within the daily routine at schools in which each teacher was required to mark how much he/she believes the teachers as a group were prepared to face said challenges successfully. The sample was composed of 229 teachers from diverse grade levels and geographic regions throughout Brazil. An analysis of principal components followed by a varimax rotation (assuming the actual value of 2.0 as a criterion), revealed a single factor structure which explained 51.26% of the items’ variance. Internal consistency of the scale, estimated by Cronbach’s alpha, was high (α=0.95). Further research and applications of the questionnaire in national educational studies are recommended...

Este artículo describe el proceso de construcción y levantamiento de evidencias de validez de constructo de un instrumento brasileño para medir la eficacia colectiva de profesores. Fueron elaborados 22 ítems, en forma de escala Likert de 5 puntos, que contemplan situaciones y desafíos del cotidiano de las escuelas en los que el profesor debería marcar lo cuanto juzga que el conjunto de profesores de su escuela es capaz de hacer frente a esos desafíos. Participaron del estudio 229 profesores y profesoras, de niveles distintos de escolaridad, en varios munici-pios brasileños. Un análisis de los componentes principales y rotación varimax, asumiendo el valor propio de 2,0 como criterio, reveló una estructura unifactorial que explica 51,26% de la varianza de los ítems. Fue verificado también el alto nivel de consistencia interna de la escala, estimada por el alfa de Cronbach (α=0,95). Se sugieren nuevas investigaciones, así como aplicaciones del cuestionario en estudios nacionales...

Propiedades psicométricas de la adaptación peruana de la prueba de pensamiento crítico PENCRISAL / Psychometric properties of Peruvian adaptation of the critical thinking test PENCRISAL / Propriedades psicométricas da adaptação peruana de pensamento crítico teste PENCRISAL

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue estudiar, en población peruana, las propiedades psicométricas de la prueba de pensamiento crítico, PENCRISAL, desarrollada y validada originalmente en población española. Participaron respondiendo voluntariamente la prueba 422 estudiantes de Ciencias e Ingeniería de una universidad peruana. Se analizó el nivel de fiabilidad con el alfa de Cronbach; la fiabilidad interjueces con coeficientes de concordancia Kappa de Cohen para cada uno de los ítems; la validez de constructo con Análisis Factorial de Componentes Principales, método Varimax y la validez divergente mediante el estudio de correlaciones con otras pruebas a través del coeficiente de Pearson. Los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que el test PENCRISAL reúne los requisitos psicométricos necesarios para la evaluación de habilidades de pensamiento crítico en población peruana...

The main objective of this study was to study, in Peruvian population, the psychometric properties of the critical thinking test, PENCRISAL, originally developed and validated in Spanish population. 422 students of Science and Engineering of a Peruvian university participated voluntarily answering the test. Reliability was analyzed with Cronbach's alpha; interrater reliability was studied by mean of Cohen's Kappa coefficients for each of the items; construct validity was analyzed with Factor Analysis of Principal Components, Varimax method. Finally, divergent validity was studied by mean of the correlations with other tests through Pearson coefficient. It is concluded that PENCRISAL test fits with the psychometric requirements for the assessment of critical thinking skills in Peruvian population...

O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi estudar, em população peruana, as propriedades psicométricas do teste de pensamento crítico, PENCRISAL, originalmente desenvolvida e validada na população espanhola. Respondendo o teste participaram voluntariamente 422 estudantes de Ciência e Engenharia de uma universidade peruana. O nível de confiabilidade foi analisada com alfa de Cronbach; a confiabilidade inter-juizes foi analisada com coeficientes Kappa de Cohen para cada um dos itens; a validade do construto foi analisada por meio da análise fatorial de componentes principais, método Varimax. Finalmente, a validade divergente foi analisada por meio do estudo de correlações com outros testes utilizando o coeficiente de Pearson. Concluí-se que o teste PENCRISAL tem os requisitos psicométricos necessários para a avaliação de habilidades de pensamento crítico na população peruana...

Analysis on reliability and validity of measurement instrument of nurses' humanistic practice ability / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To assess the reliability and validity of measurement instrument of nurses' humanistic practice ability (MIHPA).Methods By means of literature analysis,interviewing with experts and two rounds of Delphi with 17 nursing management and nursing education experts,we got preliminary evaluation questionnaire.680 nurses from three level of first-class hospital were selected by convenient sampling,who took part in the survey on nurses' humanistic practice ability.After two weeks,we re-measured 50 nurses.Such methods as exploratory factor analysis,confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were used to screen and assess the questionnaire entries.Results The exploratory factor analysis indicated that the measurement instrument of nurses' humanistic practice ability was composed of five principal components,the five principal components could explain 65.137％ of the total variance.Confirmatory factor analysis showed x2/df=2.158,CFI=0.952,NFI=0.915,RFI=0.901,IFI=0.953,TLI=0.944.Cronbach's α of the total scale was 0.933 and retest reliability was 0.822.Reliability of each subscales was 0.782～0.867 and retest reliability was 0.782～0.848.Conclusions The measurement instrument of nurses' humanistic practice ability,which contained 5 dimensions and 23 items,has good reliability and validity.

Reliability and Validity on Measurement Instrument for Health Status Assessment in Occupational Workers / 예방의학회지

In order to test scaling assumption, and to assess the validity, reliability, and acceptability of the Short Form 36(SF-36) health survey questionnaire, we conducted a survey. Samples were 296 workers who had been employed in small sized companies. All scale passed for item internal consistency(100% sucess rate) and item discriminant validity(100% success rate). Reliability coefficients were ranged from a low of 0.51 to a high of 0.85. For 87.5% of the total workers, inconsistent responses were not observed. Only 3.0% of the total workers failed two or more checks. Factor analysis was performed using principal axis factor method and quartimax rotation. In this survey, the SF-36 retained available psychometric properties even when used in a generally healthy worker group. But further study with some consideration to develope health status measurement is expected ; first, the definition of health status should be rationalized. Second, the measurement of outcome is an important consideration in evaluations of quality of care. But ambiguities hinder understanding of this important topic. Third, internal consistency should be interpreted with caution as an indication reliability because it ignores potentially important sources of variation that can occur over time.