Abstract
Background: The patient experience of atrial fibrillation (AF)
involves several daily self-care behaviors and ongoing confidence to
manage their condition. Currently, no standardized self-report measure
of AF patient confidence exists. The purpose of this study is to
establish the reliability and validity of a newly developed confidence
in AF management measure.
Methods: This study provides preliminary analysis of theC onfidence in A trial FibriL lationM anagement (CALM) scale, which was rationally developed to
measure patient confidence related to self-management of AF. The scale
was provided to a sample of AF patients N=120, (59% male)
electronically through a patient education platform. Principle
components analysis (PCA) and Cronbach’s alpha were employed to provide
preliminary assessment of the validity and reliability of the measure.
Results: PCA identified a four-factor solution. Internal
consistency of the CALM was considered excellent with Cronbach’s α =
.910. Additional PCA confirmed the value of a single factor solution to
produce a total confidence score for improved utility and ease of
clinical interpretation.
Conclusions: Initial assessment of a novel scale measuring
patient confidence in managing AF provided promising reliability and
validity. Patient confidence in self-management of AF may prove useful
as a key marker and endpoint of the patient experience beyond QOL.