The Needs Assessment for Advanced Cancer Patients (NA-ACP): a measure of the perceived needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancer. a study of validity, reliability and acceptability.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the psychometric evaluation of a measure designed to assess the perceived needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancer.


METHODS
A questionnaire known as the Needs Assessment for Advanced Cancer Patients (NA-ACP) was developed based on a review of available literature and professional opinion. A sample of 246 patients (consent rate = 59%) completed the NA-ACP, 28 patients completed the acceptability questions, while 41 completed a retest copy of the NA-ACP. The construct validity of the questionnaire was examined via principal components analysis, while reliability was evaluated in terms of the internal consistency of domains and test-retest scores.


RESULTS
The principal components analysis revealed seven domains assessing patients' psychological/emotional, medical information/communication, social, symptom, daily living, spiritual and financial needs. The test-retest reliability estimates were within accepted levels, as were all but one of the internal consistency scores. The NA-ACP was highly acceptable for this patient group.


CONCLUSIONS
The NA-ACP is one of the first multi-dimensional instruments specifically designed to assess the needs of patients with advanced, incurable cancer. The present study provides evidence of the NA-ACP's validity, reliability, and acceptability. The NA-ACP has potential applications both as a research tool and within clinical settings.
Rainbird
K J
KJ
1241 Mandurah Road, Baldivis, Western Australia 6171, Australia. rainbird@eftel.com
Perkins
J J
JJ
Sanson-Fisher
R W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*