Development of the environmental observation scale for the indoor visual environment

INTRODUCTION: Lighting and colors and contrast are known to have a positive effect on visual functioning of older adults. The highest estimated prevalence (±40%) of visual impairment in the Netherlands, has been found in nursing homes. An observation scale was developed to evaluate a healthy environment for the (visual impaired) nursing home resident. METHODOLOGIES: Based on the literature, environmental parameters of the Environmental Observation scale for the Visual Impaired (EOVI) were defined. In a two round Delphi study professionals determined the domains, and the items within these domains. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The domains of the scale are ‘illuminance’, ‘the use of color and contrast’ and ‘obstacles’. The scale evaluates common rooms of a nursing home ward and can be used to improve the environment. To reach content validity in total 27 items of the common rooms were judged by experts. Of common rooms 1 item was maintained, 16 were adjusted, 7 new items were added and three items were removed. CONCLUSION: The content validity for the domains and items was performed for the common rooms. To have a tool to evaluate visual performance conditions of nursing homes, the same procedure will be used for the corridors and bathrooms