Table 1 I-CVI ratings and Kappa Score on a 19-item checklist by six experts: Items 3 and 4 on a 4-point Relevance Scale

1

The primary nurse has a direct interpersonal communication with the patient (the patient knows his/her primary nurse)

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

2

The primary nurse has a direct interpersonal communication with the caregiver (the caregiver/family knows the patient’s primary nurse)

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

3

The primary nurse is able to introduce him/herself to the patient

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

4

The primary nurse (or nurse coordinator) delegates the care of the patients to the associated care unit in case of any absences

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

5

There is evidence of face-to-face interactions between nurses and patients

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

6

There is evidence about who is the primary nurse of each inpatient

1

0.16

Eliminated

Unacceptable

7

There is evidence of primary nurse assignment by the nurse coordinator through weekly planning

4

0.66

Modified

Fair

8

The competence of the primary nurses is evaluated by the nurse coordinator

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

9

There is evidence of an evaluation of the nurses’ competencies by a valid and reliable instrument

2

0.33

Eliminated

Unacceptable

10

There is no evidence of practicing other nursing care models

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

11

The primary nurse has direct interpersonal communication with the physician concerning the clinical status of the patient

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

12

The primary nurse has direct interpersonal communication with other members of the staff concerning the patient and his/her clinical status

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

13

The primary nurse is accountable for the quality of the care provided to the patient

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

14

The patient is well-informed by the primary nurse about the details of his/her care plan

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

15

Daily focuses are organised among nurses on the main needs of patients

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent

16

The name of the primary nurse is reported in the clinical documentation

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

17

The nursing plan of care is reported in the clinical documentation

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

18

There is evidence of the patient’s evaluation within 24 h of admission

6

1

Relevant

Excellent

19

There is evidence of the patient’s evaluation after 7 days of hospitalisation

5

0.83

Relevant

Excellent