Content validity of the Perroca patient classification instrument Turkish form-expanded in a multi-centre sample: a modified Delphi study

Patient classification tools can be used to identify optimal nurse staffing and improve patient outcomes, nurse well-being, and organizational excellence. Therefore, patient classification tools that accurately capture patients’ comprehensive and holistic needs are needed. This qualitative, content validation study used a modified Delphi method. Focus group discussions were conducted prior to Delphi, and nine focus group discussions (n: 32), Delphi I (n: 43), and Delphi II (n: 37) were conducted with staff, charge nurses, nurse educators, middle nurse managers, and executive nurses. The Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies were used to report the research process. The patient classification instrument used in this study consists of nine domains of care (Planning and coordination of the care process; Investigation, monitoring, and follow-up; Personal hygiene and elimination; Skin and mucosal integrity; Nutrition and hydration; Mobilization and exercise; Therapeutics; Emotional support; - and Health educating and counseling) and 36 items. Content validity of the tool was confirmed by achieving over 95% expert agreement for all items. As a result of the study, the form was expanded based on the nursing care needs of inpatient clinic patients, and the content validity of the form was established. The expanded form emerged as a valid and practical measurement tool consisting of 36 items and nine care domains. Patient acuity tools are used to identify the care needs of hospitalized patients. Patient acuity tools must be valid and reliable in order to accurately identify patients' care needs. This study provides strong evidence for the content validity of a tool designed to determine the acuity level of inpatients. Beyond identifying and classifying patient care needs after psychometric analysis, this tool may be used to determine optimal nurse staffing based on patient care needs and budgeting, as well as to improve patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes.