Research of Transparency Measurement Scale on Medicine Use Information in Primary Health Care Facilities / 医药导报

ABSTRACT

Objective To develop transparency measurement scale on medicine use information in primary health care facilities. Methods The dimensions and items of scale were determined through literature review and expert consultation. The scale was used to investigate 100 primary health care facilities in eastern, central and western regions. Correlation coefficient analysis, Cronbach's coefficient, and exploratory factor analysis were used to select items. Five dimensions and 20 items were selected for the final scale. Cronbach's coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the formal scale. Factor analysis was used for construct validity evaluation. Results Dimensions were measured, including service processes, organization and regulation for pharmacy administration, patients informing and education, medicine catalogue, and the economic burden of patients. The scale had good reliability since overall Cronbach coefficient was 0. 844. Factor analysis extracted five common factors, total explaining 89. 69% of the cumulative variance, and the item distribution in five common factors was completely consistent with formal scale, indicating good construct validity. Conclusion This scale had good reliability and validity as a measurement tool to evaluate the transparency level of primary health care facilities in China.