The Development of MRI: A Tool for Quality Assessment of MERS-COV Infection in Healthcare Facilities

The risk of spreading the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has become a global concern. In the era of evidenced-based practice, adequate quality assessment tools should be available to evaluate health facilities when confronted with infectious diseases. This study has combined literature reviews and experts judgment to develop a tool used to assess healthcare institution’s readiness when confronted with MERS-CoV. A mixed-method design was employed using meta-analysis and Delphi procedure. The meta-analysis was used to extract themes and developed an initial list of indicators to assess MERS-CoV readiness. The results of the conducted literature reviews were used to produce an evidence-base list of possible items for inclusion in the readiness index. The expert’s opinions have constituted the validity and reliability of the developed tool. Field trial was also conducted to and construct validity and consistency were done. A total of seven experts in the field of research, infection control and healthcare management took part in the Delphi procedure. The Delphi procedure reached up to three rounds to finalize the list of indicators used in MRI: MERS-CoV Readiness Index tool. The initial list of 40items were reduced to 38 items in the final tool. Items retained were then grouped according to dimensions namely administrative and managerial activities; knowledge, skills, and attitude of healthcare providers; environmental control; and personal protective equipment. In the field trial, Cronbach alpha yielded high reliability of 0.93.  This study has produced valid and reliable evidence-based assessment tool for assessing healthcare readiness in catering MERS-CoV cases.

Keywords: MERS-CoV, readiness index, dimension, healthcare