ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to
translate, adapt and validate the items of the Gap-Kalamazoo Communication
Skills Assessment Form for use in the Brazilian cultural setting. MethodsThe Gap-Kalamazoo Communication Skills
Assessment Form was translated into Portuguese by two independent bilingual
Brazilian translators and was reconciled by a third bilingual healthcare
professional. The translated text was
then assessed for content using a modified Delphi technique and adjusted as
needed to assure content validity. A
total of nine phrases in the completed tool were adjusted. The final tool was
then used to assess videotaped simulations as a means of validation. Response process was assessed using
exploratory factor analysis and internal structure was assessed via Cronbach’s
Alpha (internal consistency) and Intraclass Correlation (test-retest
reliability and inter-rater reliability).
ResultsOne
hundred and four (104) videotaped communication skills simulations were
assessed by 38 subjects (6 staff physicians, 4 faculty physicians, 8 resident
physicians, 4 professional actors with experience in simulation, and 16 other
allied healthcare professionals). Measures of Internal consistency (Cronbach’s
alpha = 0.818) and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient
= 0.942) were high. Exploratory factor
analysis confirmed the uni-dimensionality of the instrument.
ConclusionsOur results support the validity and
reliability of the Brazilian Gap-Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment Form
when used among Brazilian medical residents.
The Brazilian version of Gap-Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment
Form was found to be adequate both in the linguistic and technical
aspects. The use of this instrument in
Brazilian medical education can enhance the assessment of
physician-patient-team relationships on an ongoing basis.