Assessment of the nursing care product (APROCENF): a reliability and construct validity study

Abstract

Objectives:to verify the reliability and construct validity estimates of the "Assessment of nursing care product" scale (APROCENF) and its applicability. Methods:this validation study included a sample of 40 (inter-rater reliability) and 172 (construct validity) assessments performed by nurses at the end of the work shift at nine inpatient services of a teaching hospital in the Brazilian Southeast. The data were collected between February and September/2014 with interruptions. Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated, as well as the intraclass correlation and the weighted kappa index (inter-rater reliability). Exploratory factor analysis was used with principal component extraction and varimax rotation (construct validity). Results:the internal consistency revealed an alpha coefficient of 0.85, item-item correlation ranging between 0.13 and 0.61 and item-total correlation between 0.43 and 0.69. Inter-rater equivalence was obtained and all items evidenced significant factor loadings. Conclusion:this research evidenced the reliability and construct validity of the scale to assess the nursing care product. Its application in nursing practice permits identifying improvements needed in the production process, contributing to management and care decisions.

The qualitative dimension of Nursing workload: a measurement proposal

“…To reach the proposed objectives, four measurement instruments were applied: APROCENF scale ( 15 ) ; Two Patient Classification Instruments (PCIs) (one for adult ( 13 ) and another pediatric ( 17 ) ) and the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) ( 18 ) . It is noteworthy that the first three instruments ( 13 , 15 , 17 ) were constructed and had their psychometric properties tested in Brazil, respectively in 2017, 2013 and 2014, and the last ( 18 ) , was validated for Brazilian culture in 2009.…”

“…It is noteworthy that the first three instruments ( 13 , 15 , 17 ) were constructed and had their psychometric properties tested in Brazil, respectively in 2017, 2013 and 2014, and the last ( 18 ) , was validated for Brazilian culture in 2009.…”

“…The nurse should analyze all items at the end of the shift, identifying the option that most closely matches the professional practice. After evaluating all the items, the graduated scores are added and the product delivered by Nursing will be classified as: Poor (eight to 12 points), Fair (13 to 20 points), Good (21 to 28 points) or Optimal (29 to 32 points) ( 15 ) .…”

“…Recently, a scale for Nursing Care Product Evaluation (APROCENF, in Portuguese) was developed and validated based on the structural factors and methods of work organization ( 15 ) . This scale makes it possible to identify critical aspects in the nursing care system that may influence the product delivered at the end of the shift, classified as: poor, fair, good or optimal.…”

“…This scale makes it possible to identify critical aspects in the nursing care system that may influence the product delivered at the end of the shift, classified as: poor, fair, good or optimal. It is important to emphasize that APROCENF does not evaluate the performance of nurses or staff, but the factors and methods that contribute, positively or negatively, to professional practice ( 15 ) . …”