Validating Psychometric Properties of a Revised Patient Version of the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (CAPE)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Measuring patient experience is an essential challenge in the inpatient behavioral health population.

AIM:

This initiative analyzed the psychometric properties of a revised version of the patient Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (p-CAPE-R) survey.

METHODS:

The p-CAPE was revised to encompass the interdisciplinary treatment team and implemented on five inpatient psychiatric units at an academic medical center. A psychometric analysis was performed on the p-CAPE-R.

RESULTS:

Analysis of factor loadings with a large sample (n = 786) revealed a more coherent item structure under the “staff competency and engagement” and “treatment effectiveness” domains than presented in the original instrument development research.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the p-CAPE-R reflects a more useful and psychometrically sound instrument than the original p-CAPE, further analysis and revision to reflect the entire interdisciplinary team is warranted.