TITLE:
Testing of the Content Validity of a Modified OPCq Instrument—A Pilot Study in Norwegian Home Health Care
AUTHORS:
Jill Flo, Bjørg Landmark, Ove Edward Hatlevik, Siri Tønnessen, Lisbeth Fagerström
KEYWORDS:
Nursing Intensity, OPCq, Home Health Care, Patient Classification System
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.6 No.12,
December
28,
2016
ABSTRACT: Aim: To test the content validity of a modified Oulu Patient Classification instrument (OPCq), part of the RAFAELA Nursing Intensity and Staffing system in home health care (HHC) in Norway. Background: Due to the growing number of patients in HHC, a Patient Classification System (PCS) whereby the systematic registration of patients’ care needs, nursing intensity (NI) and the allocation of nursing staff can occur is needed. The validity and reliability of the OPCq instrument have been tested with good outcomes in hospital settings, but only once in an HHC setting. In this study, the OPCq is tested for the first time in HHC in Norway. Methods: A pilot study with a descriptive design. The data were collected through a questionnaire (n = 44). Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used. Results: The OPCq fulfills the requirements for validity in HHC, but the manual may need some minor adjustments. Discussion: The OPCq seems to be useful for measuring nursing intensity in HHC. Staff training and guidance, high-quality technological solutions and that all technology works satisfactorily are important when implementing a new PCS. Further research is needed in regard to NI and the optimal allocation of nursing staff in an HHC setting.