Psychometric evaluation of the Italian donor action hospital attitude survey for organ and tissue donation in intensive care units

Background: Healthcare professionals play a central role in organ and tissue donation, particularly in intensive care settings, where donor identification and family communication are critical. Aim: To translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Donor Action Hospital Attitude Survey among intensive care professionals. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional validation study was conducted in intensive care units in Italy. The survey was administered to nurses and physicians. Content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index. Structural validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was evaluated via internal consistency and test–retest analyses. Construct-related validity was assessed through hypothesis testing. Results: A total of 553 professionals participated. Items showed satisfactory content validity (I-CVI ≥0.80; S-CVI = 0.96). Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure (i.e., attitudes, confidence, and training). Internal consistency and temporal stability were acceptable. Professional experience and age were associated with more favorable attitudes and greater knowledge. Involvement, operationalized as experiential exposure and perceived appropriateness of communication timing, was associated with confidence and related domains, supporting construct-related validity. Conclusions: The Italian version of the survey demonstrates adequate validity and reliability for assessing professional domains related to organ and tissue donation.