Validation of a diagnostic content: expert selection criteria

Abstract

When we started studies of validation of instruments of content diagnosis or of measurement, we came across the following question: who are the expert nurses? The selection of expert nurses can become a difficult task due to the lack of literature on the definition of experts. Another difficulty is related to professional nursing formation and improvement, which is still deficient in many Brazilian states. Inadequate criteria for expert selection can limit many studies, mainly those involving content validation, and can interfere in the reliability of results. Based on the available literature, this article describes and analyzes criteria for selecting these professionals.