Validation of the Measurement Model of the Grief Support Healthcare Scale Among the Intensive Care Unit Nurses in Malaysia.

Aim: This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the measurement model of the Grief Support Healthcare Scale sub-constructs among the intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.

Method: This methodological study in January 2015 uses the TRIPOD checklist for model validation. A two-order confirmatory factor analysis involving 655 nurses from the adult ICUs of nine hospitals confirmed the validity and reliability of the sub-constructs of grief support. The evaluation of the measurement model was based on the multi-category model fit indices.

Results: The convergent and discriminant validities and reliability of the grief support sub-constructs, recognition of the relationship, acknowledgment of the loss, and inclusion of the griever were confirmed, with eight indicators. The measurement model of the revised Grief Support Healthcare Scale had a good model-fit (chi-square (df) = 67.586(17); p = .000; relative chi-square = 3.976; AGFI = 0.947; GFI = 0.975; CFI = 0.990; IFI = 0.990; TLI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.067; SRMR = 0.020).

Conclusion: The validated grief support measurement model allows measurement of grief support for future intensive care unit nurses and the structural model analysis. Nurse managers and co-workers provide support to the grieving intensive care unit nurses based on the essential components of grief support.