New directions in measuring family-centred service: the updated measure of processes of care (MPOC 2.0).

Abstract

To develop an updated Measure of Processes of Care assessing parent/caregiver perceptions of the family-centredness of service providers' behaviour. Researchers and parent partners conducted a two-phase project involving (i) tool development, and (ii) field testing to determine psychometric properties. Sixty-five parents of children with disabilities participated in focus groups to discuss their wants and hopes for service delivery; six parents reviewed the measure for comprehensibility and clarity; and 10 parents and 10 service providers participated in a modified Delphi procedure to establish consensus about item wording. In the field testing phase, 58 parents were involved in the assessment of test-retest reliability, and 273 parents completed construct validity measures. MPOC 2.0 scales were determined through factor analysis. Internal consistency and construct validity hypotheses were examined. The resulting scales (Supportive and Collaborative Communication, Availability of Care, Family Well-being, and Coordinated Care) had high internal consistencies, good to excellent test-retest reliabilities, and moderate to strong correlations with construct validation measures. In comparison to the original 30-year-old MPOC-20, the new measure highlights the importance of communication as a relational process involving reciprocal transactions between parents and service providers. It also highlights family well-being, service availability, and coordination of care.