Psychometric Evaluation of the <scp>D</scp>‐<scp>C</scp>atch, an Instrument to Measure the Accuracy of Nursing Documentation

Purpose To evaluate the psychometric properties of the D‐C atch instrument. Methods A cross‐sectional methodological study. Validity and reliability were estimated with confirmatory factor analysis ( CFA ) and internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability, respectively. Findings A sample of 250 nursing documentations was selected. CFA showed the adequacy of a 1‐factor model (chronologically descriptive accuracy) with an outlier item (nursing diagnosis accuracy). Internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability were adequate. Conclusions The D‐C atch is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the accuracy of nursing documentation. Caution is needed when measuring diagnostic accuracy since only one item measures this dimension. Implications for Nursing Practice The D‐C atch can be used as an indicator of the accuracy of nursing documentation and the quality of nursing care.