Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure post-intensive care syndrome

Abstract Objective This study aimed to develop a Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Questionnaire (PICSQ) and assess the psychometric properties of PICSQ in intensive care unit survivors. Methods PICSQ items were generated through relevant literature reviews, qualitative interviews among survivors, and multiple rounds of content validity evaluations by experts. Data were collected from 536 survivors at seven health care facilities in three cities of Korea from June to August 2018. The validity and reliability of PICSQ were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency and correlation coefficients. Results The final PICSQ consisted of 18 items. Through exploratory factor analysis, three factors (mental, cognitive and physical) were derived. The reliability of PICSQ was represented by a Cronbach’s α of 0.93, while the internal consistency of each factor was good (Cronbach’s α = 0.84 to 0.90). The model fit of PICSQ was satisfactory and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion Because PICSQ is valid and reliable, it is recommended for use in clinical practice and research to assess post-intensive care syndrome in intensive care survivors.