Development of an instrument for the measurement of patients’ perception of care integration within the cardio-cerebrovascular services pathway

Objective: To develop an instrument to measure patient perceptions about integrated care in the cardio-cerebrovascular care pathway. Methods: An instrument was designed after carrying out a systematic search and a free search in the literature to identify scales and surveys measuring patient perceptions about integrated health care. We selected items evaluating the construct of integration, applicable to the Colombian context and useful for quality improvement actions; and subsequently, an instrument was developed. An expert panel assessed the first version to analyze the validity of its contents. Some adjustments were made and a pilot test was carried out with 14 patients in order to assess the clarity and suitability of the items. Results: The initial instrument included 18 items from 7 surveys and 10 new items developed by the researchers. The experts confirmed the validity of the instrument and suggested adjustments to the wording and response options to adapt it to the local context. The pilot test led to minor changes in the explanations and wording in response options. The final instrument included 28 Likert-type items. Conclusion: An instrument was developed according to the international literature and adapted to the local context in order to measure patient perception about integrated care in the cardio-cerebrovascular care pathway.