Psychometric properties of the consumer quality index to assess shelter and community care services.

Background: Our aim was to design a valid and reliable consumer quality index (CQI) specifically suited to assess the experiences that homeless people, homeless youth, and abused women have with shelter and community care services.

Methods: A pilot CQI questionnaire was constructed on the basis of literature study, focus group discussions with clients, concept mapping by clients and shelter workers, and a pre-pilot study. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 762 clients using shelter facilities for homeless people, homeless youth or abused women.