WHO standards-based tools to measure service providers' and service users' views on the quality of hospital child care: development and validation in Italy. Issue 3 (17th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lazzerini, Marzia; Mariani, Ilaria; de Melo e Lima, Tereza Rebecca; Felici, Enrico; Martelossi, Stefano; Lubrano, Riccardo; Lucarelli, Annunziata; Trobia, Gian Luca; Cogo, Paola; Peri, Francesca; Nisticò, Daniela; Were, Wilson Milton; Baltag, Valentina; Muzigaba, Moise; Barbi, Egidio
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Germani Claudio author non-byline.; Velkoski Angelika author non-byline.; Balestra Elia author non-byline.; Castaldo Benmario author non-byline.; Colle Alice Del author non-byline.; Valente Emanuelle Pessa author non-byline.; Cozzi Giorgio author non-byline.; Amaddeo Alessandro author non-byline.; Coordinatrice De Monte Roberta author non-byline.; Coordinatrice Tamara Strajn author non-byline.; Bicego Livia author non-byline.; Cassone Andrea author non-byline.; Schreiber Silvana author non-byline.; Liguoro Ilaria author non-byline.; Pilotto Chiara author non-byline.; Stavro Lisa author non-byline.; Stefani Chiara author non-byline.; Moras Paola author non-byline.; Massarotto Marcella author non-byline.; Crotti Paola author non-byline.; Ferro Benedetta author non-byline.; Pavanello Riccardo author non-byline.; Bressan Silvia author non-byline.; Arpone Marta author non-byline.; Fasoli Silvia author non-byline.; Carolina Pelazza author non-byline.; Tagliaferri Francesco author non-byline.; Coppola Marta author non-byline.; Grisaffi Chiara author non-byline.; Mingoia Elisabetta author non-byline.; Sforzi Idanna author non-byline.; Santangelo Rosa author non-byline.; Iuorio Andrea author non-byline.; Bo Sara Dal author non-byline.; Marchetti Federico author non-byline.; Martucci Vanessa author non-byline.; Sanseviero Mariateresa author non-byline.; Silvia Bloise author non-byline.; Marcellino Alessia author non-byline.; Lucarelli Annunziata author non-byline.; Canzio Eleonora author non-byline.; Parrino Roberta author non-byline.; Gambino Salvatore author non-byline.; Guardino Melania author non-byline.; Lagalla Luca author non-byline.; Vaccaro Beatrice author non-byline.; Rosa Giuseppina de author non-byline.; Stefano Vita Antonella Di author non-byline.; Patané Francesca author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 12:Issue 3(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-17
• Subjects: quality in health care -- paediatrics -- epidemiology; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Evidence showed that, even in high-income countries, children and adolescents may not receive high quality of care (QOC). We describe the development and initial validation, in Italy, of two WHO standards-based questionnaires to conduct an assessment of QOC for children and young adolescents at inpatient level, based on the provider and user perspectives. Design: Multiphase, mixed-methods study. Setting, participants and methods: The two questionnaires were developed in four phases equally conducted for each tool. Phase 1 which included the prioritisation of the WHO Quality Measures according to predefined criteria and the development of the draft questionnaires. In phase 2 content face validation of the draft questionnaires was assessed among both experts and end-users. In phase 3 the optimised questionnaires were field tested to assess acceptability, perceived utility and comprehensiveness (N=163 end-users). In phase 4 intrarater reliability and internal consistency were evaluated (N=170 and N=301 end-users, respectively). Results: The final questionnaires included 150 WHO Quality Measures. Observed face validity was excellent (kappa value of 1). The field test resulted in response rates of 98% and 76% for service users and health providers, respectively. Among respondents, 96.9% service users and 90.4% providers rated the questionnaires as useful, and 86.9% and 93.9%, respectively rated them as comprehensive. Intrarater reliability was good, with Cohen's kappa values exceeding 0.70. Cronbach alpha values ranged from 0.83 to 0.95, indicating excellent internal consistency. Conclusions: Study findings suggest these tools developed have good content and face validity, high acceptability and perceived utility, and good intrarater reliability and internal consistency, and therefore could be used in health facilities in Italy and similar contexts. Priority areas for future research include how tools measuring paediatric QOC can be more effectively used to help health professionals provide the best possible care.