Scale construction: Valid measurement instrument for diabetes patient engagement

Abstract

The study focuses on developing a tool to measure the engagement of diabetes patients and to explore its dimensions. This study was based on descriptive research design and purposive sampling method. Personal interview was conducted among the doctors to ascertain the face and content validity of the questionnaire. Subsequently, interview was conducted with the patients and exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the number of items in the diabetes patient engagement scale. Diabetes patient engagement measurement model resulted in seven dimensions consisting of 21 items. The dimensions patient satisfaction, patient initiatives, organized health care, informed choice, health promotion, and prevention are unidimensional factors, and the dimension self-management (routine and clinical assessment) is multidimensional. This study confirmed the validity of the new multidimensional diabetes patient engagement scale to assess and measure the intensity of engagement of the patient with their respective care towards doctor and hospital. Practical implication is to facilitate in predicting and determining the engagement level of patient with their health care provider, which increases good health outcomes and quality of life.