Work

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the intra-hospital transport safety scale in intensive care

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Patient safety during intra-hospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients is a major global concern, as transfers expose patients to risks including physiological deterioration, equipment malfunction, and adverse events. Despite its importance, Iran lacks a standardized, culturally adapted tool to evaluate IHT safety from nurses’ perspectives. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate the Persian version of the Intra-hospital Transport Safety Scale (IHTSS) for use among Iranian intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Methods: A methodological cross-sectional design was employed in three phases from April to June 2025. Phase 1 involved forward–backward translation and cultural adaptation of the IHTSS. Phase 2 assessed face and content validity through ICU nurses and expert panels using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). Phase 3 comprised psychometric evaluation among 315 ICU nurses recruited from hospitals in western Iran. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine construct validity. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and test-retest analysis. Results: The Persian IHTSS demonstrated strong content validity (CVR = 0.93; S-CVI = 0.91). Exploratory factor analysis identified a four-factor structure Organization, Teamwork & Transport-related Tasks, Tools and Technologies, and Environment, explaining 63.1% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported model adequacy (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.067, SRMR = 0.048). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.891; ω = 0.877), and test–retest reliability confirmed temporal stability ( r = 0.881). Conclusion: The Persian version of the IHTSS is a valid, reliable, and culturally adapted instrument for assessing IHT safety in Iranian ICUs. Its application can help identify system-level strengths and weaknesses, guide targeted interventions, and enhance patient safety during critical care transfers.

Source: SAGE Open Medicine

DOI: 10.1177/20503121261416822