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A literature review on peristomal skin lesions revealed non-standardized language or no objective classification system for describing lesion type and location around the stoma. An Ostomy products manufacturer* and a group of US–based WOC nurses developed an Ostomy algorithm incorporating a skin assessment instrument (SACS-Studio Alterazioni Cutanee Stomali/Study on Peristomal Skin Lesions) to provide solutions to these issues. A study was conducted to establish content validation of the algorithm, a crucial factor for algorithms affecting patient safety.
A sample of WOC nurses who self identified as caring for ostomates at least 30% of clinical practice time was recruited. A separate firm collected data using cross sectional online mixed methods survey design. Respondents were blinded to company sponsorship to avoid possible assent biased responses. Using a 4-point rating scale (4 = very relevant; 1 = not relevant) adapted from Colwell and Beitz (2007), 166 respondents rated content validity for major algorithm components (11 critical Ostomy-related assessments). Respondents were asked to comment on issues, omissions, and strengths and weaknesses. Content validity index (CVI) of each segment was calculated. Summary statistics were used to analyze demographics, validity ratings, and CVI. Narrative comments were thematically analyzed for strengths and weaknesses in algorithm use.
Overall algorithmic mean was 3.8/4 and overall CVI was 0.95/1 suggesting strong content validity. Mean ratings and CVI scores for assessment subcomponents were well above acceptable ratings. Narrative comments were strongly positive with some needed improvements noted. Study results support the strong content validity of the new Ostomy algorithm, which can facilitate objective standardized evidence-based decisions about care for ostomates’ peristomal skin issues. Future research could potentially incorporate the validated Ostomy algorithm to assess construct validity (use of the algorithm with actual patient peristomal skin care situations to assess impact on quality care delivery).
A sample of WOC nurses who self identified as caring for ostomates at least 30% of clinical practice time was recruited. A separate firm collected data using cross sectional online mixed methods survey design. Respondents were blinded to company sponsorship to avoid possible assent biased responses. Using a 4-point rating scale (4 = very relevant; 1 = not relevant) adapted from Colwell and Beitz (2007), 166 respondents rated content validity for major algorithm components (11 critical Ostomy-related assessments). Respondents were asked to comment on issues, omissions, and strengths and weaknesses. Content validity index (CVI) of each segment was calculated. Summary statistics were used to analyze demographics, validity ratings, and CVI. Narrative comments were thematically analyzed for strengths and weaknesses in algorithm use.
Overall algorithmic mean was 3.8/4 and overall CVI was 0.95/1 suggesting strong content validity. Mean ratings and CVI scores for assessment subcomponents were well above acceptable ratings. Narrative comments were strongly positive with some needed improvements noted. Study results support the strong content validity of the new Ostomy algorithm, which can facilitate objective standardized evidence-based decisions about care for ostomates’ peristomal skin issues. Future research could potentially incorporate the validated Ostomy algorithm to assess construct validity (use of the algorithm with actual patient peristomal skin care situations to assess impact on quality care delivery).
* ConvaTec Inc.