Development of and field test results for the CAHPS PCMH Survey

To develop and evaluate survey questions that assess processes of care relevant to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs).

We convened expert panels, reviewed evidence on effective care practices and existing surveys, elicited broad public input, and conducted cognitive interviews and a field test to develop items relevant to PCMHs that could be added to the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Clinician & Group (CG-CAHPS) 1.0 Survey. Surveys were tested using a 2-contact mail protocol in 10 adults and 33 pediatric practices (both private and community health centers) in Massachusetts. A total of 4875 completed surveys were received (overall response rate of 25%).

We calculated the rate of valid responses for each item. We conducted exploratory factor analyses and estimated item-to-total correlations, individual and site-level reliability, and correlations among proposed multi-item composites.

Ten items in 4 new domains (Comprehensiveness, Information, Self-Management Support, and Shared Decision-Making) and 4 items in 2 existing domains (Access and Coordination of Care) were selected to be supplemental items to be used in conjunction with the adult CG-CAHPS 1.0 Survey. For the child version, 4 items in each of 2 new domains (Information and Self-Management Support) and 5 items in existing domains (Access, Comprehensiveness-Prevention, Coordination of Care) were selected.

This study provides support for the reliability and validity of new items to supplement the CG-CAHPS 1.0 Survey to assess aspects of primary care that are important attributes of PCMHs.