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Validity and reliability of an oncology critical care patient acuity tool
V D Marsee1, R B Lovett, S C McMillan
1H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
Purpose/Objectives:
To test the reliability and validity of a patient acuity tool for use on a critical care oncology unit.
Design:
Prototype classification system using therapeutic indicators to describe a patient's acuity.
Setting:
Intensive care unit of a research and academic oncology hospital in the Southeastern United States.
Sample:
Critical care nursing staff including management-level personnel at the research site.
Methods:
An acuity tool for critical care was developed using the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center's patient classification system as a model. Content validity indexes were calculated based on ratings of nurse experts. interrater reliability was calculated based on two independent raters: a staff nurse and a patient care manager.
Main Research Variables:
Appropriateness of language and categorization of therapeutic indicators developed for the tool.
Findings:
The content validity index of the entire tool was 0.85; 24/25 indicators were retained. Reliability was r = 0.84.
Conclusions:
The tool is reliable and valid.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Acuity tools can be used to calculate unit productivity and assist with determination of staffing needs. In this age of healthcare reform, it is imperative that personpower needs in all care settings be accurately determined to provide cost-effective and safe care levels.