Structural Validity and Reliability of a Tool for Clinical Rehabilitation Staff to Evaluate Life-Goal-Setting...

Background: There is a need for an assessment tool for clinical rehabilitation staff to evaluate their life-goal-setting practice, especially in oncology rehabilitation. This study aimed to confirm the structural validity and reliability of the 21-item Reengagement life Goal Assessment Tool for Cancer survivors (ReGAT-C) with a five-category response scale. Methods: Participants were clinical rehabilitation staff who worked at designated cancer care hospitals in Japan and had experience in setting life-goals with cancer survivors hospitalized during the non-terminal phase. The ReGAT-C was mailed to participants twice, and Rasch analysis was repeated on the scores of the first ReGAT-C to test structural validity and reliability. The test-retest reliability was also examined using the scores of the first and second ReGAT-Cs after revising it according to the Rasch analysis results. Results: A total of 121 participants completed the first ReGAT-C, and 70 participants completed the second ReGAT-C. Following three Rasch analyses, the ReGAT-C was revised to contain 14 items with a three-category response scale. The revised scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. Conclusions: The 14-item ReGAT-C with a three-category response scale could help staff to identify elements that are lacking in their practice and adjust their policies based on the items' difficulty.