Psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese version of the observer OPTION⁵ scale

OPTION⁵ is a scale used to evaluate shared decision making (SDM) in health care from an observer's perspective; however, to date, there is no simplified Chinese version of this scale.

This study aims to produce a simplified Chinese version of the OPTION⁵ scale and to test its psychometric properties.

One rater observed and audio-recorded consultations between general practitioners (GPs) and chronically ill patients in a Beijing community health service center (CHSC) from May to June 2019. Meanwhile, demographic data of the patients and GPs were collected via information forms. Two raters assessed inter- and intra-rater reliability by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Cohen's Kappa values. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α value. Concurrent was calculated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

A total of 209 consultations were recorded and evaluated. As concerns inter-rater reliability, the ICC of the OPTION⁵ was 0.859 on the total score level, with Cohen's weighted k ranging from 0.376 (item 5) to 0.649 (item 2) on the single item level. With regard to intra-rater reliability, the ICC was 0.945 on the total score level, with Cohen's weighted k ranging from 0.469 (item 5) to 0.883 (item1) on the single item level. Cronbach's α value of all 5 items amounted to 0.746. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between OPTION⁵ and OPTION¹² for Chinese versions was 0.660.

The simplified Chinese version of the OPTION⁵ scale, developed using stringent translation procedures, demonstrated satisfactory psychometric characteristics. Specifically, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were excellent, while criterion validity was moderate. The simplified Chinese version of the OPTION⁵ scale can be implemented in clinical settings to evaluate SDM of treatment during consultations between GPs and chronically ill patients.