[Psychometric evaluation of a need scale for cancer patients undergoing follow-up care]

The purpose of this present study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a needs scale for patients with cancer undergoing follow-up care (NS-C).

A preliminary NS-C of 48 was derived from literature reviews and in-depth interviews with patients with cancer. Content validation of the items was established by oncology physicians and nurses. Each item was scored on a five-point Likert scale. The preliminary NS-C and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status questionnaires were administered to 873 patients with cancer recruited from three university hospitals. The data were analyzed using factor analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and Cronbach's alpha.

From the factor analysis, 25 significant items in six subscales were derived. The subscales were named physical symptoms, diet and exercise, support, relationship with health professionals, treatment/prognosis, and keeping mind under control. The NS-C also established item convergent and discriminant validity, and known-groups validity. Cronbach's alpha of the subscales ranged from .90 to .92.

This study suggests that the NS-C is an easy, reliable and valid instrument to measure the needs of patients with cancer. Health professionals may use the NS-C for patients with cancer both in practice and research.