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A Valid and Reliable Tool to Quantify Stool Output in Tube‐Fed Patients
Author(s) -
Guenter Peggi A.,
Sweed Margot R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607198022003147
Subject(s) - inter rater reliability , diarrhea , construct validity , reliability (semiconductor) , consistency (knowledge bases) , content validity , medicine , validity , concurrent validity , construct (python library) , statistics , mathematics , internal consistency , psychometrics , computer science , rating scale , power (physics) , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , programming language
A major problem in determining whether diarrhea exists in tube‐fed patients is the quantification of stool output. On the basis of this need a stool output assessment tool was developed and tested for validity and reliability. Interrater reliability and construct validity were determined by using staff nurses' and principal investigators' observations. Observers blindly rated the bowel movement (BM) on size and consistency and on whether the BM was thought to represent “diarrhea.” Interrater reliability was found to be significant. Stool output scores were determined by using a 24‐hour output form that assessed stool size, consistency, and frequency. Content validity was established as well as concurrent and construct validity. ( Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 22 :147–151, 1998)