Table 3

Descriptive Statistics and Scale Evaluation for Issues and Test Value

Mean (SD)

Testing issues *

Managed care practice guidelines

5.4 (2.3)

Patient's perceived value of the test

6.5 (1.9)

Reduced need to refer patients to allergists

6.8 (2.0)

Difficulty in interpreting test results

4.4 (2.6)

Familiarity with test use

6.9 (2.3)

Patient demand to have the test done

7.0 (1.9)

Type of allergic rhinitis (intermittent vs. persistent)

6.6 (1.9)

How well test results relate to symptoms

7.6 (1.9)

Value of testing to my practice

6.9 (2.3)

Testing value **

Overall value of specific IgE as a diagnostic tool

3.9 (1.1)

Compared to skin testing, usefulness of specific IgE blood testing

3.9 (1.4)

Compared to not testing at all, usefulness of specific IgE blood testing

4.3 (1.2)

* Issues – scale = 1 less likely to test, 10 = more likely to test; (measure of internal consistency of items – α = 0.90)

** Value – scale = 1 not valuable; 6 = highly valuable; (measure of internal consistency of items – α = 0.86)

Szeinbach et al. BMC Family Practice 2008 9:47   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-9-47