Diacritics: An Important Strategy for Proper Validation of the Arabic Version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Researchers studied the needs of family members using different tools particularly the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). The purpose of current study was to validate the Arabic version of the CCFNI. METHODS: A jury of experts helped establish content validity of best translated version. Live testing of the revised instrument with a sample of nurses and family members helped ensure its validity and internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The Content Validity Index indicated an acceptable relevancy and clarity of the translated version. After introducing diacritic to wordings, clarity and readability were ensured by a pilot test with a sample of 22 critical care nurses and 21 family members. Live testing the instrument asserted its discriminant validity where family members (n = 227) ranked total needs higher than nurses (n = 217) (t = 124.2 (df = 442), p < .001). CONCLUSION: After using of diacritics, the new modified Arabic version can be used confidently as a valid and reliable measure of family needs.