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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe two statistical methods for initial psychometric evaluation of a new tool.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will describe two benefits associated with use of the CareGraph® tool in the Psychiatric population.
Methods: Initial reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and known groups validity was evaluated using a t-test to compare admission and discharge CareGraph® scores. To determine if the domains of the CareGraph® are consistent with those conceptualized, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Lastly, a pre- and post-implementation analysis was utilized to evaluate cost of care between two groups.
Results: Initial Cronbach’s alpha for all items was .71. A t- test assessing known groups validity demonstrated a significant difference: t (215) = 14.663, p=.000. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a six factor solution accounting for 68.9% of the variance. Although LOS slightly increased after implementation of the CareGraph®, the cost was not significantly different.
Conclusion: This study provides a starting point for the psychometric evaluation of the CareGraph® as well as initial quantifiable outcomes. Internal consistency reliability and known groups validity demonstrate that the CareGraph® can be used in the psychiatric population to provide a common system language for collaborative care. The significant results between admit and discharge CareGraph® scores demonstrate the ability to discriminate severity of illness.
The CFA captured the six categories conceptualized by the originators of the tool although they loaded in a different manner than anticipated.
Although the changes in cost were not statistically significant , they were positive from an operational perspective and may represent a positive change in efficiency.