Validating the Medical Data Interpretation Test in a Dutch population

ObjectiveTo validate the Dutch translation of the Medical Data Interpretation Test.MethodsA test–retest design with a 2-week interval was used.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = .82), the limits-of-agreement interval (LOA = −8.96 to 2.48) and the test–retest reliability (Pearson's r = 86) suggest that the Dutch translation has good reproducibility. Construct validity was tested by two hypotheses, both of which were confirmed. University participants had higher test scores than non-university participants (p = .02), and males did not score differently than females (p = .61).ConclusionThe results suggest that the Dutch version of the Medical Data Interpretation Test is an adequate scale to assess ability to interpret medical data.Practice implicationsAssessing patients’ numeracy skills before a counseling session will enable the counselor to adjust subsequent communication accordingly and, as such, improve the session's effectiveness.