Philippine E-Journals

Towards the Development of the Case Notes Assessment Scale

Susana Estanislao

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study initially developed an instrument that measures the counseling professionals' current case documentation process and outcome with reference to a prescribed way of writing case notes. A 10-step test development method was employed in constructing, analyzing and finalizing the scale using 151 participants. In writing the items, the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan (SOAP) Note Format Standards of Cameron and Turtle-Song (2002) were considered. The instrument was subjected to experts' review and was pilot tested to establish its psychometric properties. Results yielded a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.92, indicating a high level of internal consistency. The factor loadings of 0.40 or higher retained 30 items. The loadings observed ranged from 0.42 to 0.82. The newly derived subscales of the Case Notes Assessment Scale are Record Content (14 items), Brevity of Notes (6 items), and Writing Mechanics (10 items). This newly developed tool serves as guidelines or standards that can be used in evaluating the case documentation process and outcome of counselling professionals.