Development and initial validation of the PICU caregiver expectation for involvement scale

Family-centered care is a core principle in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), yet existing instruments largely assess caregivers' satisfaction with care rather than their expectations for involvement. Understanding caregivers' expectations is essential for aligning clinical practice with family needs and preferences. This study aims to develop and provide initial psychometric validation of the PICU Caregiver Expectation for Involvement Scale (PCEIS).

A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted across PICUs in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Item development was guided by the Society of Critical Care Medicine family-centered care guidelines and refined through multidisciplinary expert review. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on split subsamples. Internal consistency, measurement invariance across parent gender, and descriptive analyses were examined.

Data from 359 parents were analyzed. EFA and CFA supported a unidimensional structure comprising seven items, explaining 57.1% of the variance. Model fit indices were acceptable, and internal consistency was satisfactory. Measurement invariance across gender was established, with no significant differences between mothers and fathers.

The PCEIS demonstrates good initial reliability and structural validity as a brief measure of parents' expectations for involvement in PICU care.

The PCEIS may help PICU healthcare professionals identify caregivers' expectations for involvement and support discussions about appropriate roles in communication, caregiving, and decision-making.