Exploring the psychometric properties of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care measurement tool for care providers in Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and validity of a shortened version of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC) measurement tool (MT). The original version of the measurement tool has been modified (shortened) for the Australian context. DESIGN: Validation of the psychometric properties of the RMIC-MT. SETTING: Healthcare providers providing services to a geographically defined rural area in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 56 healthcare providers providing mental and physical healthcare. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The psychometric properties of the tool were tested using principal component analysis for validity and Cronbach's alpha for reliability. RESULTS: The tool was shown to have good validity and reliability. The 35 items used in the shortened version of the tool were reduced to 29 items grouped into four dimensions: community-governance orientation, normative integration, functional integration and clinical-professional coordination. CONCLUSIONS: The shortened version of the RMIC-MT is a valid and reliable tool that evaluates integrated care from a healthcare provider's perspective in NSW, Australia. In order to assess the tool's appropriateness in an international context, future studies should focus on validating the tool in other healthcare settings.