Development and Analysis of the Sodium Knowledge and Skills Index for Heart Failure (SKASI-HF).

摘要

People with heart failure are required to manage their disease by following a daily self-care regimen prescribed by a healthcare provider. The self-care activities usually include: following a sodium-restricted diet, taking prescribed medications, weighing oneself every morning, and exercising. Healthcare providers must assess whether their patients have the knowledge and skill level to correctly perform these self-care tasks, and appropriately address any gaps in knowledge and/or skill level. Utilizing a psychometrically sound instrument to measure knowledge and skill level relevant to these self-care behaviors would be an efficient and effective assessment strategy.;The purpose of this research was to develop a psychometrically sound instrument that assesses the dietary sodium knowledge and skill level of heart failure patients and support persons. The Sodium Knowledge and Skills Index for Heart Failure (SKASI-HF) is the instrument that has been designed to meet the needs of the clinician or researcher who wishes to objectively measure this attribute. The SKASI-HF was developed from a review of literature, especially focusing on clinical practice guidelines, and modified based on a review of the items by an expert panel of registered nurses and dietitians who specialize in heart failure care. It was designed to be administered electronically through the use of a tablet or other computer, and contains graphics that supplement the instrument's text. This dissertation describes the development process and the psychometric testing procedures and results for the Sodium Knowledge and Skills Index for Heart Failure.