QUALITY OF CARE - DEVELOPMENT OF A PATIENT-CENTERED QUESTIONNAIRE BASED ON A GROUNDED THEORY MODEL

In a previous study (Wilde et al. 1993), we developed a model of quali ty of care from a patient perspective using a grounded theory approach . The aim of the present study was to derive an instrument from this m odel. A questionnaire, Quality from Patients' Perspective (QPP), was d eveloped which consisted of 56 items. Each item was evaluated in two w ays by the respondent; assessment of perceived reality and evaluation of subjective importance (Likert scales). A personal quality of care i ndex was computed on the basis of the relationship between these two s cores. The QPP was tested on two samples, patients with infectious dis eases (n = 147, mean age: 60 years) and nursing students (n = 103, mea n age: 27 years). Patient's scores were factor analysed (principal fac toring with oblique rotation) and 17 factors were extracted. Subgroups of patients were compared and correlations were computed between fact or scores and self-rated health and well-being. Students also responde d to a short form of the QPP (41 items) and personality scales. Correl ations between these sets of variables were computed. The QPP was disc ussed in relation to existing scales.