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Psychometric testing of the Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool
Shirley C Gordon1, Cynthia Ann Blum, Dax Andrew Parcells
1Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
Summary
School nurses can reliably use the Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool (GFMWT) to identify facial muscle weakness in children. This validated tool aids early detection of potential health issues in school-aged populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Clinical Assessment Tools
- Child Health
Background:
- School nurses are often the first point of contact for assessing pediatric health concerns.
- Facial paralysis or muscle weakness in children requires prompt and accurate assessment.
- Existing tools may lack specific validation for school nurse use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool (GFMWT).
- To determine the reliability and validity of the GFMWT for use by school nurses.
- To establish the GFMWT's content validity and interrater reliability.
Main Methods:
- Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated based on expert ratings of GFMWT items (Phase 1).
- School nurses (N=74) assessed clinical scenarios using the GFMWT to determine referral urgency (Phase 2).
- Interrater reliability was assessed using the GFMWT in a simulated clinical setting.
Main Results:
- The GFMWT achieved a perfect Item and Scale Content Validity Index (CVI) of 1.0.
- The tool demonstrated good interrater reliability with a score of .602 (p < .001).
- Analysis confirmed the GFMWT as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing facial muscle weakness.
Conclusions:
- The Gordon Facial Muscle Weakness Assessment Tool (GFMWT) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
- School nurses can effectively utilize the GFMWT for the reliable assessment of pediatric facial muscle weakness.
- The GFMWT supports early identification and timely intervention for school-aged children with facial weakness.
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