Adapting CAHPS® for an American Indian population

Objective: Develop a culturally appropriate, reliable, and valid survey that can be used by the Choctaw Nation Health Services (CNHS) to compare patients' health care experiences across CNHS clinics, and to support quality improvement efforts. Methods: We worked with CNHS staff to adapt the CAHPS Clinician and Group Survey for this purpose. We conducted cognitive interviews and a field-test to evaluate the survey. Results: Cognitive testing yielded a survey that covered issues relevant to CNHS patients. Field testing yielded 696 surveys, (58% response rate). Analyses provided support for internal consistency of multi-item scales. Correlations among scales indicate the scales were related to one another but not redundant. Discussion: The CAHPS American Indian Survey is useful for assessing perceptions of care at the clinic level and across different clinics. The close partnership with CNHS helped yield a survey that is scientifically sound, reflects how services are organized and delivered locally, and meets CNHS information needs.