Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to create a comprehensive evaluation index for discharge support in ward nurses.
Method: A questionnaire survey of 2,115 ward nurses was conducted with questions based on the findings from previous studies and the concept of quality of medical care by Donabedian (1969). Content validity of the index for discharge support in ward nurses was confirmed by experts. Additionally, the reliability and validity were investigated.
Results: A total of 1,021 nurses participated in the analysis (response rate: 48.3%). Exploratory factor analysis revealed 7 factors with 35 items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each factor ranged from .83 to .94. To investigate the validity, t-test was performed on the evaluation criteria for structure and outcomes in the higher- and lower-ranking groups for the total score of importance. Significantly higher scores were obtained for the higher-ranking group. Furthermore, second-order factor analysis confirmed moderate goodness of fit. The results suggested that the index items included items with content that could lead to quality improvement of discharge support in ward nurses.
