Psychometric evaluation of the Norwegian version of the Threadgold Communication Tool

The study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Threadgold Communication Tool, a proxy-rated instrument assessing communication abilities in people with dementia.

The study employed a prospective design, with two measurement points within 10 days. The Threadgold Communication Tool was translated into Norwegian following the World Health Organization's protocol for translation and back-translation.

The study included 126 residents from ten different nursing homes and one assisted living facility in Norway. The participants consisted of 99 women (78.57 %) and 27 men (21.43 %), aged between 61 and 100 years, with a mean age of 85.67 (SD 7.59).

The outcome measures were the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Threadgold Communication Tool.

The Norwegian version of the Threadgold Communication Tool demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, with a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.95) and robust test-retest reliability (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Principal Component Analysis revealed a two-component structure, explaining 62.9 % of the variance. However, the item 'vocalization' scored lower than other items and was identified as difficult to interpret by the Sonas Licensed Practitioners.

The Norwegian version of the Threadgold Communication Tool is a reliable and valid tool for assessing communication abilities in people with dementia. However, further research is needed to refine the instrument based on these findings, particularly regarding the interpretation of the 'vocalization' item.