Establishing the reliability and validity of a new instrument: pilot testing.

Development of instruments to measure psychosocial variables is a complex process that begins with concept analysis and concludes with pilot testing to establish initial reliability and validity properties. Although the instrument development process is lengthy. PACU nurses are encouraged to follow all steps; if they do not, they will be unsure of what is measured or the meaning of the finding. Discussed here is the final phase of the instrument development process; calculating and analyzing construct validity and internal consistency reliability. An example is given that applies reliability and validity methods to a hypothetical instrument.