Internal psychometric properties of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory.

The aim of this investigation was to examine the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). Family need data on 677 subjects, collected by 21 nurse investigators in 14 states over a period of 9 years (1980-1988), were used as an aggregate data base. The internal consistency alpha coefficient of the total CCFNI was 0.92. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation resulted in a five-factor solution as determined by eigenvalues greater than one, scree plot, magnitude of residuals, simple structure convergence, item loadings, and conceptual clarity. The five dimensions of the CCFNI were labeled as needs for support, comfort, information, proximity, and assurance. Sufficient psychometric properties warrant continuing use of the tool in research and clinical practice.