Psychometric evaluation of the family caregiver ICU delirium knowledge questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Delirium is a common condition in critically ill patients, affecting nearly half of all patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Family caregivers of critically ill patients can be partners in the early recognition, prevention and management of delirium provided they are aware of the signs/symptoms and appropriate nonpharmacological strategies that might be taken. Valid, reliable instruments that assess family caregiver knowledge are essential so that nurses can prepare family caregivers to be effective partners. The purpose of the current study was to (a) adapt an existing caregiver delirium knowledge questionnaire (CDKQ) for use by nurses to measure a family caregiver's delirium knowledge in the ICU; and (b) examine the psychometric properties and structure of the adapted Caregiver ICU Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire (CIDKQ). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a multidisciplinary team developed the 21-item CIDKQ (possible score range: 0-21) and administered it to 158 family caregivers of critically ill patients. Descriptive statistics were examined for all variables. The CIDKQ was analyzed for face validity, content validity, reliability and internal consistency. Results: The mean CIDKQ score was 14.1 (SD: 3.5, range = 2 to 21). Path analysis revealed that a family caregiver's delirium knowledge in the actions and symptoms dimensions had a direct effect on knowledge of delirium risk factors. The CIDKQ was found to have face validity and reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.79). Conclusions: The findings indicated good validity and reliability of the CIDKQ as a measure of ICU delirium knowledge in family caregivers of critically ill patients.

Effectiveness of an intensive care unit family education intervention on delirium knowledge: a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study

“…Baseline questionnaires were completed after enrollment and in the presence of the study team. Baseline questionnaires included paper versions of a demographic questionnaire (relationship to patient, date of birth, sex, gender, ethnicity, and educational background), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-seven (GAD-7) 18 scale, and the previously validated Caregiver ICU Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire (CIDKQ) 19 to quantify their baseline knowledge of delirium.…”

A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of family-partnered delirium prevention, detection, and management in critically ill adults: the ACTIVATE study

“…We created the educational video with input from patients, family members, and members of the ICU care team. In addition our team modified an existing Caregiver Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire [43] to the ICU context to develop the Caregiver ICU Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire (CIDKQ) [44]. We developed case vignettes of hypothetical ICU patients based on the four features that, when found in combination, indicate delirium is present: sudden onset or fluctuating course AND inattention AND either altered level of consciousness OR disorganized thinking.…”

“…We developed case vignettes of hypothetical ICU patients based on the four features that, when found in combination, indicate delirium is present: sudden onset or fluctuating course AND inattention AND either altered level of consciousness OR disorganized thinking. The CIDKQ (Cronbach alpha = 0.80) and case vignettes (Sour Seven Sensitivity: 90.0%, Specificity: 65.0%) were validated in a cross-sectional study of 80 family members [44]. The educational materials were validated in a quasiexperimental pre-test post-test study to validate the education materials.…”

“…The material will be provided as a 6-min video or as a booklet. Family members will practice identifying delirium with the Sour Seven, using previously validated case vignettes of hypothetical ICU patients [44]. The education module will be provided on day one of the study by a patient advisor or research assistant.…”

“…Demographic questionnaires for the patient and family member will be administered on day one of the study. Knowledge of delirium on the CIDKQ [44] will be assessed prior to the intervention and immediately following administration of the education module. Delirium prevention and management strategies utilized by the family will be queried once daily (for 5 days maximum).…”