Psychometric validation of the short version of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation scale through a first global assessment

Abstract Aims Tailored education is recommended for cardiac patients, yet little is known about information needs in areas of the world where it is most needed. This study aims to assess (i) the measurement properties of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation short version (INCR-S) scale and (ii) patient’s information needs globally. Methods and results In this cross-sectional study, English, simplified Chinese, Portuguese, or Korean versions of the INCR-S were administered to in- or out-patients via Qualtrics (January 2022–November 2023). Members of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation community facilitated recruitment. Importance and knowledge sufficiency of 36 items were rated. Links to evidence-based lay education were provided where warranted. A total of 1601 patients from 19 middle- and high-income countries across the world participated. Structural validity was supported upon factor analysis, with five subscales extracted: symptom response/medication, heart diseases/diagnostic tests/treatments, exercise and return-to-life roles/programmes to support, risk factors, and healthy eating/psychosocial management. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97. Construct validity was supported through significantly higher knowledge sufficiency ratings for all items and information importance ratings for all subscales in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrolees vs. non-enrolees (all P < 0.001). All items were rated as very important—particularly regarding cardiac events, nutrition, exercise benefits, medications, symptom response, risk factor control, and CR—but more so in high-income countries in the Americas and Western Pacific. Knowledge sufficiency ranged from 30.0 to 67.4%, varying by region and income class. Ratings were highest for medications and lowest for support groups, resistance training, and alternative medicine. Conclusion Identification of information needs using the valid and reliable INCR-S can inform educational approaches to optimize patients’ health outcomes across the globe. Lay Summary Patients need information to manage their heart diseases, such as what to do if they have chest pain, what a heart attack is, and how to take their medicine to lower the chances they will have another one, so a study of the information needs of over 1600 heart patients from around the globe was undertaken for the first time. Using the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation short version (INCR-S) scale—which was shown to be a go