Development of an Autonomy Scale for Emergency Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop an autonomy scale for emergency nurses and verify its reliability and validity.

Method: Upon confirming the face and content validity of the initial draft of the autonomy scale for emergency nurses, an anonymous self-report questionnaire of the 77-item draft scale was administered to 3408 emergency nurses. The scale’s reliability and validity were examined thereafter.

Results: A total of 434 valid responses were obtained. Following an exploratory factor analysis of these responses, 33 items were extracted across three factors within the draft scale. For reliability, internal consistency was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and stability was confirmed by the test-retest method. For validity, criterion-related validity was confirmed using the Professional Autonomy Scale, Dempster Practice Behavior Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale.

Discussion: The autonomy scale for emergency nurses encompasses items that evaluate independent thinking and actions aimed at advocating for, treatment of, and support for the recovery of emergency patients and their families.

Conclusion: The reliability and validity of the autonomy scale for emergency nurses is confirmed in this study.