Development of the “Japanese version of Team Psychological Safety for Nurses” （JPSN） and testing its reliability and validity

Abstract

Objective: To apply a model of psychological safety to the work situation of nurses in Japan, we developed the “Japanese version of Team Psychological Safety for Nurses” (JPSN) scale, measuring an individual’s perception of psychological safety for a team of ward nurses, and evaluated its reliability and validity. Methods: First, we translated the “Team psychological safety” scale developed by Amy Edmondson (1999) after obtaining permission from the author. The scale was back translated and reviewed by a team of researchers to design a preliminary version. Next, we conducted an internet-based survey, using a self-administered questionnaire, among nurses working in ward teams across the country. Results: The data of 515 nurses were analyzed. In the exploratory factor analysis, seven items, including one factor similar to the original version, were extracted; the confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit. After examining the construct validity and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (.787), we confirmed that the scale retained a certain level of reliability and validity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the JPSN can be used to measure the psychological safety perception of Japanese nurses. Further research may explore the relationship between the nurses’ perceptions of psychological safety and their nursing practice.