Cross-cultural validation of the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS)

Translate, adapt and validate the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) for use in Brazil.

The PPOS was translated to Portuguese using a modified Delphi technique. The final version was applied to 360 participants. Reliability (test-retest and internal consistency) and construct validity (explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis) were assessed.

Only two items did not reach pre-established criteria agreement in Delphi technique. In pre-testing, seven items were modified. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.605) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.670) were adequate. In explanatory factor analysis, one item did not achieve a loading factor, one item was considered factorially complex and two items were inconsistent with a priori factors. Confirmatory factor analysis provided an acceptable adjustment for the observed variables (χ(2)/df=2.33; GFI=0.91; AGFI=0.89; CFI=0.84; NFI=0.75; NNFI=0.81; RMSEA=0.062 (p=0.016) and SRMR=0.065).

The Brazilian version PPOS (B-PPOS) showed acceptable validity and adequate reliability.

The use of the B-PPOS in national and cross-cultural studies may contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of the attitudes of doctors, medical students and patients toward their professional relationships in research and practice.