Knowledge assessment tool for pediatric parenteral nutrition: A validation study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex, high-risk therapy requiring specialized training.
• Current challenges in bedside teaching hinder effective PN education.
• Lack of validated knowledge assessment tools impedes evaluating new PN teaching methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multiple-choice question (MCQ) knowledge assessment tool for pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN).
• To provide validity evidence for evaluating the effectiveness of PN educational interventions.

Main Methods:

• A 30-item MCQ knowledge assessment tool was developed.
• Content validation was performed by pediatric PN experts.
• The tool was evaluated for factorial validity, internal consistency reliability, and discriminant validity.

Main Results:

• 103 participants (students, residents, physicians) were enrolled.
• After excluding 5 poorly performing questions, the tool showed acceptable model fit (RMSEA <5%).
• Reliability was acceptable (omega coefficient = 0.829), and the test demonstrated significant discrimination between experience levels (ANOVA, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• A validated MCQ knowledge test for pediatric PN has been developed.
• This tool can be utilized by educators to assess PN knowledge in physicians and trainees.
• The test provides a reliable method for evaluating PN educational programs.