Measurement of patient confidence in self-management of atrial fibrillation: Initial validation of the Confidence in Atrial fibriLlation Management (CALM) Scale.

BACKGROUND

The patient experience of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves several daily self-care behaviors and ongoing confidence to manage their condition. Currently, no standardized self-report measure of AF patient confidence exists. The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of a newly developed confidence in AF management measure.

METHODS

This study provides preliminary analysis of the Confidence in Atrial FibriLlation Management (CALM) scale, which was rationally developed to measure patient confidence related to self-management of AF. The scale was provided to a sample of AF patients N = 120, (59% male) electronically through a patient education platform. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Cronbach's α were employed to provide preliminary assessment of the validity and reliability of the measure.

RESULTS

PCA identified a four-factor solution. Internal consistency of the CALM was considered excellent with Cronbach's α = .910. Additional PCA confirmed the value of a single factor solution to produce a total confidence score for improved utility and ease of clinical interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial assessment of a novel scale measuring patient confidence in managing AF provided promising reliability and validity. Patient confidence in self-management of AF may prove useful as a key marker and endpoint of the patient experience beyond QOL.