Measuring the validity and reliability of the Lithuanian missed nursing care in infection prevention and control scales using Rasch analysis

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to translate and validate the Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey for its use in the Lithuanian context.

Methods: A convenience sample of 331 nurses was surveyed. The study instrument explored missed care in the context of infection prevention and control practices. Rasch analysis was undertaken using Winsteps^® Rasch measurement computer program and the generalized item response modelling software.

Results: The Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey in the Lithuanian language demonstrated unidimensionality and provided evidence of item fit to the modified instrument. The reliability of both sub-scales was 0.78 and 0.98, respectively. Differing consensus between the nurses based on their perceived frequencies and reasons of missed care was demonstrated.

Conclusions: The final Lithuanian version of the Missed Nursing Care in Infection Prevention and Control Survey consists of 29 items that assess type and frequency of missed care and 17 items that identify reasons for missed care.

Implications for nursing management: Unit managers will be able to use the modified scales to generate evidence as to the sources of missed infection control practices in their clinical areas and the rationale for the breaks in the hierarchy of mandatory infection prevention.

Keywords: Infection control; Lithuania; Missed nursing care; Nursing; Psychometrics; Rasch analysis.