Development and Psychometric Evaluation of Traffic-Related Prehospital Mortality Prevention Questionnaire

Background: Given that a significant part of deaths due to traffic accidents are preventable in the prehospital phase, so it seems necessary to have an instrument to identify and measure the factors affecting it. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically assess an instrument for measuring preventable prehospital mortality due to traffic accidents. Methods: The study is a mixed qualitative-quantitative study including systematic review, interviews, Delphi and psychometrics. In the systematic review phase, using database searches and in the qualitative phase, the factors affecting preventable mortality were extracted through interviews with 24 experts(Fire-fighting organization, Traffic police, the Red Crescent, Emergency Medical Services, emergency medicine, hospital emergency nurses and traffic accident victims) in Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education and Yazd Province, 2020. Classification of codes was done with MAXQDA10 Software. The results were collected in the format of the primary instrument and Delphi study (3 rounds) was conducted in by experts. Finally, the reduction of the items and the psychometrics of the instrument, including the determination of face and content validity, and then the determination of the reliability using Cronbach's alpha were performed. Results: Developed instrument enjoys acceptable validity and reliability to be used in measuring preventable traffic-related prehospital mortalities. The final instrument for measuring preventable prehospital mortality was developed with 5 dimensions including: "scene and casualty assessment, coordination and communication, time management, training-performance, and support." Conclusion: Using this instrument; preventable deaths can be detected, the present challenges can be identified, and the preventable deaths may be diminished.