Abstract
Purpose
Computer-adaptive tests (CATs) can measure precisely at individual level with few items selected from an item bank. Our aim
was to select fatigue items to develop a CAT for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and include expert opinions that are important
for content validity of measurement instruments.
was to select fatigue items to develop a CAT for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and include expert opinions that are important
for content validity of measurement instruments.
Methods
Items were included from existing fatigue questionnaires and generated from interview material. In a Delphi procedure, rheumatologists,
nurses, and patients evaluated the initial pool of 294 items. Items were selected for the CAT development if rated as adequate
by at least 80% of the participants (when 50% or less agreed, they were excluded). Remaining items were adjusted based on
participants’ comments and re-evaluated in the next round. The procedure stopped when all items were selected or rejected.
nurses, and patients evaluated the initial pool of 294 items. Items were selected for the CAT development if rated as adequate
by at least 80% of the participants (when 50% or less agreed, they were excluded). Remaining items were adjusted based on
participants’ comments and re-evaluated in the next round. The procedure stopped when all items were selected or rejected.
Results
A total of 10 rheumatologists, 20 nurses, and 15 rheumatoid arthritis patients participated. After the first round, 96 of
294 items were directly selected. Nine items were directly excluded, and remaining items were adjusted. In the second round,
124 items were presented for re-evaluation. Ultimately, 245 items were selected.
294 items were directly selected. Nine items were directly excluded, and remaining items were adjusted. In the second round,
124 items were presented for re-evaluation. Ultimately, 245 items were selected.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-9982-8
- Authors
- Stephanie Nikolaus, IBR Research Institute for Social Sciences and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Christina Bode, IBR Research Institute for Social Sciences and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Erik Taal, IBR Research Institute for Social Sciences and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Mart A. F. J. vd Laar, IBR Research Institute for Social Sciences and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343