Delphi technique: validation of an instrument to be used by occupation therapist in gerontology field

Abstract

Considering the value of the systematization the occupational therapy work to this population that live in community, the author created an Instrument to classify the aged concerning self-care ability. For its valid and reliable use in gerontologist field, it has undergone a process of validation. This paper presents the application of the Delphi technique in order to indicate the content validity of the Instrument to be used by occupational therapist in the gerontologist field. The Instrument has been adjusted by a judger team of specialists concerning content, statement and organization of the questions. The study was developed in three phases and resulted in the "Group Version of the Instrument". The items researched have achieved average rates of approval of 93,3% regarding content and 86,7% regarding statement. After the validation process, the Group Version allows to the occupational therapist knows considerable components of the older adults functional performance, supporting the professional work. Afterwards, the validated Instrument was submitted to another validation tests.