PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the reliability and scaling assumptions of an information needs questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their caregivers. BACKGROUND: Patients with HNC have specific information needs but no tools exist that can simultaneously assess the needs among these patients and their caregivers. METHODS: The Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ) was adapted from a validated information needs questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Participants were recruited from two regionally-defined cancer services in NSW, Australia. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Scaling assumptions, specifically item convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed using multi-trait scaling analysis. RESULTS: The HaNiQ showed good internal consistency reliability for both patients and caregivers (Cronbach's alpha=0.94 for both) and scaling assumptions were met, with acceptable item convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The HaNiQ appears reliable, and would benefit from further testing. Crown
PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the reliability and scaling assumptions of an information needs questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their caregivers. BACKGROUND:Patients with HNC have specific information needs but no tools exist that can simultaneously assess the needs among these patients and their caregivers. METHODS: The Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ) was adapted from a validated information needs questionnaire for breast cancerpatients. Participants were recruited from two regionally-defined cancer services in NSW, Australia. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Scaling assumptions, specifically item convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed using multi-trait scaling analysis. RESULTS: The HaNiQ showed good internal consistency reliability for both patients and caregivers (Cronbach's alpha=0.94 for both) and scaling assumptions were met, with acceptable item convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The HaNiQ appears reliable, and would benefit from further testing. Crown
Authors: Chandylen L Nightingale; Katherine R Sterba; Janet A Tooze; Brandy-Joe Milliron; Lee Anne Tetrick; Min-So Paek; Kathryn E Weaver Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2016-03-19 Impact factor: 3.603