The purposes of this methodologic paper are to (1) describe theoretical background in conducting research across different cultures; (2) address measurement issues related to instrument administration; and (3) provide strategies to deal with measurement issues.

A thorough review of the literature was conducted. A theoretical background is provided, and examples of administering instrument in studies are described.

When applying an instrument to different cultures, both equivalence and bias need to be established. Three levels of equivalence, i.e., construct equivalence, measurement unit equivalence, and full score comparability, need to be explained to maintain the same concept being measured. In this paper, sources of bias in construct, method, and item are discussed. Issues related to instrument administration in a cross-cultural study are described.

Researchers need to acknowledge various group differences in concept and/or language that include a specific set of symbols and norms. There is a need to question the philosophical and conceptual appropriateness of an assessment measure that has been conceptualized and operationalized in a different culture. Additionally, testing different response formats such as narrowing response range can be considered to reduce bias.

To make a contribution to raising the quality of nursing and home healthcare services through reviewing the present state of home healthcare nurse specialist training institutions and education programs and creating concrete measures to establish high-quality education courses.

International comparative study of accreditation criteria and curriculum in home healthcare nurse specialist program.

The Authorization Standards of home healthcare nurse training institutions consists of 8 items, 23 evaluation criteria and 72 evaluation indexes. Proposal to develop a specialist training program: Curriculum. Modify and complement a present homecare nurse education program. Curriculum 1. Designate two forms of certification. The first certification has been granted the authority to serve as a manager and open a home healthcare agency to nurses having masters degrees and clinical experience for five years. The second certification is allowed to perform general home healthcare after having completed a short term training course. Currculum 2. To meet increasing demands, granting a certification to perform home healthcare to registered nurses having clinical experience of more than three years.

These results can be utilized in the home healthcare educational program for raising the quality of nurses and home healthcare services.