[Development and initial evaluation of deqi sensation scale of heat-sensitive moxibustion]

Based on heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) theory, a widely applicable scale was developed to reflect the deqi (arrival of qi) sensation of HSM. By documentary method and interviewing method, the items of describing deqi sensation of HSM were collected to establish the pool of candidate items. With expert questionnaire, patient questionnaire and core expert discussion, the items were screened and quantified by method of subjective evaluation to develop the initial draft of the scale. A total of 121 patients were pre-surveyed with the initial draft, and the structural validity of the scale was examined by exploratory factor analysis (principal component) and its internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's coefficient. As a result, the items in the scale was reduced from 36 to 9; 110 effective questionnaires were reclaimed for statistical analysis. Finally, the scale (Version 1.0) contained 9 items and 4 dimensions, of which, 3 items highlighted the comfort emotional experience, 3 items highlighted autonomic response, 2 items highlighted heat sensation, and 1 item highlighted non-heat sensation. In conclusion, the deqi sensation scale of HSM containes 9 items, which has fair content and structure validity. It is in line with the current clinical understanding of deqi sensation of HSM and has strong clinical operability and wide adaptability.