Validation of a core outcome measure for palliative care in Africa: the APCA African Palliative Outcome Scale.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the burden of progressive incurable disease in Africa, there is almost no evidence on patient care or outcomes. A primary reason has been the lack of appropriate locally-validated outcome tools. This study aimed to validate a multidimensional scale (the APCA African Palliative Outcome Scale) in a multi-centred international study.

Methods

Validation was conducted across 5 African services and in 3 phases: Phase 1. Face validity: content analysis of qualitative interviews and cognitive interviewing of POS; Phase 2. Construct validity: correlation of POS with Missoula-Vitas Quality of Life Index (Spearman's rank tests); Phase 3. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha calculated twice using 2 datasets), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coeffici

SUBMITTER: Harding R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2825183 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature