Developing and Determining Psychometric Properties of the Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome Scale

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Psychometrics
• Patient and family care

Background:

• Family members of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often face psychological, physical, social, and spiritual challenges.
• These impairments can significantly impact the well-being of caregivers during and after a patient's hospitalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a comprehensive scale to assess the multifaceted impacts of the Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome (FICUS).
• The scale aims to measure psychological, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions experienced by family caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach was employed, involving literature review, expert evaluation, and psychometric testing.
• The study examined content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability using telephone-based questionnaires with 245 family members.

Main Results:

• An initial 49 items were refined to a 16-item scale, the Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome Scale (FICUSS).
• Psychometric testing confirmed good construct validity (χ²/df = 1.8, NFI=0.94, CFI=0.97, IFI=0.97), high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.92), and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.72).

Conclusions:

• The FICUSS is a brief, comprehensive, and validated instrument for assessing family members' impairments related to FICUS.
• This scale can aid healthcare professionals in identifying and managing the holistic needs of families with ICU patients.