The Interprofessional/Family-Centered-Care Observation Rubric (I-FOR): Results of a Multicenter Study of a New Measure of Educational Outcomes

Introduction The ability to provide family-centered care (FCC) and the ability to work in interprofessional care teams (IPC) are essential educational outcomes in graduate training programs. Lack of standardized measures leave programs to rely on idiosyncratic methods to monitor outcomes. We developed a faculty observation tool as part of an effort to create a national quality improvement database. We present evidence for the feasibility and validity of the faculty observation tool. Methods Trainees and faculty at four independent training programs participated. Nineteen maternal and child health disciplines were represented. Faculty supervisors rated trainees using the new measure (I-FOR), and trainees completed related subscales of a previously developed self-report measure, the core competency measure (CCM). Faculty provided qualitative feedback regarding the I-FOR in a separate questionnaire. Results Faculty (n = 78) completed the I-FOR on 86 trainees (86/92 = 93%) and reported satisfaction with completing the measures. The I-FOR demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.930) and test–retest reliability (IPC r = 0.862, FCC r = 0.823, p < 0.001). Greater than 95% of participants reported that the I-FOR accurately addressed the relevant skills for each practice domain. The I-FOR showed no correlation with the CCM. Significant improvements over time in the I-FOR ratings were demonstrated in three out of four programs. Discussion The I-FOR demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Faculty responses provide evidence for the feasibility and validity of the instrument. Self-report and faculty-observation measures both increased with training but were not correlated with each other.