Verification of Reliability and Validity of Genetics Nursing Competency Scale

Abstract

Aims: To develop a scale to measure genetics nurses’ practical ability and to examine its reliability and validity.

Methods: We developed a scale to measure genetics nursing competencies based on the previous research. The first survey assessed the content validity and surface validity, and the second survey assessed the reliability, coexistence validity, known-groups validity, and test of model suitability using data from 293 nurses.

Results: A 21-item scale comprising six factors was developed by examining content validity and surface validity. Factor analysis showed that the Cronbach’s α coefficient for the entire scale was 0.96, confirming its internal consistency. For known-groups validity, the “yes” and “no” groups’ responses to the question about participation experience in study sessions for genetic medicine and nursing were compared; “yes” group with participation experience had a higher overall score (at 1% significance level). The fit factor of the six-factor, 21-item temporary model was examined in the confirmatory factor analysis, which showed acceptable consistency.

Conclusions: This study developed and tested a scale to measure genetics nursing competencies, and there was a certain extent of validity and reliability.