title: Development and psychometric validation of a scale to assess information needs in cardiac rehabilitation: the INCR Tool.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop and psychometrically validate a tool to assess information needs in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  After a literature search, 60 information items divided into 11 areas of needs were identified. To establish content validity, they were reviewed by an expert panel (N=10). Refined items were pilot-tested in 34 patients on a 5-point Likert-scale from 1 "really not helpful" to 5 "very important". A final version was generated and psychometrically tested in 203 CR patients. Test-retest reliability was assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, and criterion validity was assessed with regard to patient's education and duration in CR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five items were excluded after ICC analysis as well as one area of needs. All 10 areas were considered internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha>0.7). Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in mean scores by educational level (p<0.05) and duration in CR (p<0.001). The mean total score was 4.08 ± 0.53. Patients rated safety as their greatest information need.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The INCR Tool was demonstrated to have good reliability and validity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is an appropriate tool for application in clinical and research settings, assessing patients' needs during CR and as part of education programming.
authors: Exercise Sciences Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. gabriella.meloghisi@uhn.ca
authors: Gabriela Lima de Melo
authors: GL
authors: Ghisi
authors: Sherry L
authors: SL
authors: Grace
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Thomas
authors: Michael F
authors: MF
authors: Evans
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Oh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*