Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Person-Centered Care in Fetal Care Centers

Introduction: Fetal care centers (FCCs) in the USA lack a standardized instrument to measure person-centered care. This study aimed to develop and validate the Person-Centered Care in Fetal Care Centers (PCC-FCC) Scale.

Methods: Initial items were developed based on literature and input from clinicians and former patients. A Delphi study involving 16 experts was conducted to validate the content and construct. Through three rounds of online questionnaires using open-ended questions and Likert scales, consensus on item clarity and relevancy was established. The resulting items were then piloted with former fetal care center patients via a web-based survey. The instrument's reliability and validity were validated using Cronbach's α and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing scores with the Revised Patient Perception of Patient-Centeredness (PPPC-R) Questionnaire.

Results: 258 participants completed the 48-item pilot PCC-FCC survey, categorized into six domains. Factor analysis yielded a 2-factor, 28-item scale. Internal consistency of the final scale had good reliability (α = 0.969). Data supported content, construct, and concurrent validity.

Conclusion: The PCC-FCC Scale is a reliable and valid measure of person-centered care in U.S. FCCs. It can be used to enhance services and begin connecting person-centered care to maternal-child health outcomes.