Psychometric Properties and Effects on Health Outcomes of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) in Korean Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: The satisfaction of patients receiving integrated care with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is widely advocated and patients with ESRD have special health needs, but few studies have investigated whether integrated care was associated with health outcomes. Our aims were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean-translated patient assessment of chronic illness care (PACIC) in patients with ESRD, and to evaluate whether PACIC evaluated by patients was associated with health outcomes. Methods: ESRD patients on hemodialysis (n = 172) at 2 dialysis centers. Data quality, internal consistency and correlation between items and scales were assessed. To test the external validity, the association between PACIC and the health behaviour and outcomes of hemodialysis patients was analyzed. Results: The mean score of the PACIC items was 3.0. The item-scale correlation (0.67-0.85) and test-retest correlation (0.72-0.82) regarding scales for internal consistency showed excellent consistency. Total PACIC score was significantly associated with dietary self-efficacy (beta = 0.22) and serum potassium (Exp(B) = 1.65). Higher overall PACIC score was significantly associated with higher physical health status (beta = 3.52). Conclusions: The Korean-translated PACIC questionnaire is a tool with reliability and validity. Comprehensive treatment strategies for ESRD patients may improve their health behaviors and outcomes.