The self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt): Development and measurement properties of a self-report self-management instrument

Abstract

Objective: To develop a self-management instrument for organ transplant recipients that incorporates self-regulations skills and to determine its measurement properties.

Methods: The instrument includes concepts from social cognitive models: problem awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, motivation, social support, goal setting, goal pursuit, skills and goal affect. The measurement properties were evaluated based on the COSMIN guidelines. Face and content validity were determined through patient assessment, Three-Step Test-Interview and expert assessment using the Content Validity Index. Structural validity and reliability were tested using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was tested by comparing subscales with the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ).

Results: After face and content validity assessment 47 items were entered into the exploratory factor analysis. The analysis showed two meaningful factors, with internal consistency of 0.90 and 0.89. Spearman correlations between the subscales and heiQ were moderate (0.55; 0.46). The final version consists of 21 items, divided into two scales: 'Setbacks' and 'Successes'.

Conclusions: The Self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt) is a valid and reliable instrument to asses necessary skills for self-management after transplantation and may be useful for other patients as well.

Practice implications: Insight into self-regulation competencies can help healthcare professionals to tailor self-management support.

Keywords: Goals; Organ transplant; Psychometrics; Self-management; Self-regulation.