Psychometric Properties of the Qualiskope-A for Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Medical Treatment: Use in Oncology and Transferability to Inpatient Care

Aim The Qualiskope-A is a German-language PREM (Patient Reported Experience Measure) which, with the help of 27 items allocated to four scales, enables measurement of patient satisfaction with outpatient medical treatment along four dimensions of patient satisfaction. This study examined whether the questionnaire delivers reliable results in an oncological population and whether its application can be extended to inpatient care. Method Required data was collected as part of the PIKKO study. Initially, descriptive statistics and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the PREM's scales were analyzed. In addition, a sub-sample that assessed the same doctor at two consecutive measurement time points was observed with regard to test-retest reliability ( Spearman correlation (r(s)) between both measurement time points). The measurement model of the Qualiskope-A was then examined using confirmatory factor analysis. To test the transferability to inpatient care, measurement invariance with regard to outpatients and inpatients was computed. Results A total of 476 patients was included in the study. Every score of the Qualiskope-A showed a left-skewed distribution in the sample and revealed pronounced ceiling effects. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were consistently > 0,8. Within the test-retest group ( n = 197), a strong correlation (rs > 0,5) was observed between the measurement time points. The fit indices calculated using confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit (CFI = 0,958; RMSEA = 0,026; SRMR = 0,040; every factor loadings > 0,6). The fit indices, calculated as part of the investigation of measurement invariance, consistently met the defined threshold values. Conclusion The Qualiscope-A shows good reliability in the examined oncological sample. It can be used in both outpatient and inpatient settings (no indications of non-invariance were found). Due to pronounced ceiling effects, however, the item scaling should be revised.