Abstract: Objective To analyze and evaluate the items of geriatric knowledge, attitude and practice scale by using item response theory. Methods The subjects were selected from eight-year medical undergraduates and nursing undergraduates of Peking Union Medical College. Two-parameter logistic model was used to analyze items of knowledge dimension, and grade response model was used to analyze items of attitude and practice dimensions. The degree of discrimination, difficulty and information of each item were calculated, and the item characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the quality of items. Results The maximum information function of the scale was 18.810, and the potential ability parameter corresponding to the maximum information function was -0.4. Of the 34 items, 23 items performed well, and 11 items were not up to the standard due to difficulty or discrimination parameters. Conclusion Most items of the Geriatric Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Scale have good performance, but some items need to be further revised and validated.

Key words: Item response theory, Geriatric medicine, Knowledge attitude and practice, Scale