A psychometric analysis of the Rotterdam Renal Replacement Knowledge-Test (R3K-T) using item response theory

Abstract

SummaryKnowledge is a prerequisite for promoting well-informed decision-making. Nevertheless, there is no validated and standardized test to assess the level of knowledge among renal patients regarding kidney disease and all treatment options. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of such a questionnaire for use in research and practice. A 30-item list was validated in four groups: (1) 187 patients on dialysis, (2) 82 patients who were undergoing living donor kidney transplantation the following day, (3) the general population of Dutch residents (n = 515) and (4) North American residents (n = 550). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). Norm references were also calculated. Five items were found to distort ability estimates (Differential item functioning; DIF). MIRT analyses were subsequently carried out for the remaining 25 items. Almost all items showed good discrimination and difficulty parameters based on the fitted model. Two stable dimensions with 21 items were retrieved for which norm references for the Dutch and North American, dialysis and transplantation groups were calculated. This study resulted in a thorough questionnaire, the Rotterdam renal replacement knowledge-test, which enables reliable testing of patient's knowledge on kidney disease and treatment options in clinic and research.

Home-Based Family Intervention Increases Knowledge, Communication and Living Donation Rates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The primary outcome measures were derived from the Attitude-Social Influence-Efficacy model (20): knowledge, risk perception (fears and concerns), self-efficacy, attitude toward communication, communication on renal replacement therapies, subjective norm and willingness to accept LDKT/donate. Knowledge was assessed with the reliable and validated Rotterdam Renal Replacement Knowledge-Test (R3K-T) (21). The other variables were assessed using statements.…”

Educating Prospective Kidney Transplant Recipients and Living Donors about Living Donation: Practical and Theoretical Recommendations for Increasing Living Donation Rates

“…Though their validation analyses are not fully detailed, Rodrigue and colleagues report good initial psychometric properties of scales of willingness to discuss LDKT with others, concerns about LDKT, and LDKT knowledge [30]. While a few validated scales focusing on general kidney dis- ease and transplant knowledge have been published [31, 32], the Rotterdam Renal Replacement Knowledge Test (R3K-T) features a well-validated subscale focusing on LDKT knowledge particularly [33]. O'Connor and colleagues’ Decisional Conflict Scale [34] and Decisional Self-Efficacy Scale [35] have been employed in trials of educational programs to in- crease LDKT [36, 37].…”

Multisystemic engagement & nephrology based educational intervention: a randomized controlled trial protocol on the kidney team at home-study

“…In Figure 1 one can find the graphical depiction of the RCT. [29]. For example, 'Renal replacement therapy is necessary when the kidneys function for only 50%'.…”

“…In the face of the equity principle, we will provide all the study materials (e.g. brochures, questionnaires) in the six most common foreign languages in the Rotterdam municipality namely, English, Arabic, Turkish, Papiamento, Portuguese and Modern Hindi [29].…”