Development and Preliminary Testing of the Healthy Transition Scale for Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a scale to measure healthy transitions in patients undergoing haemodialysis. METHODS: Twenty-seven preliminary items of the Healthy Transition Scale to Haemodialysis (HTS-HD) were identified through a literature review and in-depth interviews with patients undergoing haemodialysis. Of these, 25 items demonstrated content validity. To verify the reliability and validity of the preliminary scale, questionnaires were administered to 234 in-centre patients undergoing haemodialysis. The data were analysed using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity and concurrent validity. Internal consistency and reliability were tested using Cronbach's α coefficient. RESULTS: The final version of HTS-HD consisted of 19 items. Four factors were extracted: independent participation, subjective well-being, acceptance and integration and active information seeking and coping. These were verified through convergent and discriminant validity. The concurrent validity was confirmed using the Psychological Adaptation Scale (PAS). The overall Cronbach's α was 0.88. CONCLUSION: Since the developed scale is valid and reliable, the HTS-HD can be used to develop nursing interventions to improve the healthy transition of patients undergoing haemodialysis.