Validation of a Collaboration Readiness Assessment Tool for Use by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Agencies and Partners

Objective: To evaluate content and face validity of a collaboration readiness assessment tool developed to facilitate collaborative efforts to implement policy, systems, and environment changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). Methods: Evaluation of the validity of the tool involved 2 steps. Step 1 was conducted with 4 subject matter experts to evaluate content validity. Step 2 used an iterative cognitive testing process with 4 rounds and 16 SNAP-Ed staff and community partners to evaluate face validity. Results: Subject matter experts found that survey items appropriately matched the content area indicated and adequately covered collective efficacy, change efficacy, and readiness. Cognitive testing with SNAP-Ed staff and partners informed modifications and resulted in adequate face validity. Conclusions and Implications: The ability to measure collaboration readiness will allow agencies and community partners that implement SNAP-Ed to target areas that facilitate collaboration efforts needed for policy, systems, and environment change and collective efficacy. Further cognitive testing of the tool with other populations is needed to ensure its applicability and usefulness. Evaluation of the reliability of the tool with a broad range of SNAP-Ed programs and community agencies is also recommended.