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Aims: Workplace stress can negatively impact healthcare providers' professionalism and quality of care. One source of workplace stress is the experience of workplace mistreatment. Drawing on the Job Demands‐Resources theory, this study aimed to (a) investigate the impact of mistreatment frequency experienced by healthcare workers from insider sources (i.e. co‐workers, supervisors) and outsider sources (i.e. patients, visitors) on affective ill‐being and (b) the potential moderating role of trait resilience and trait self‐efficacy, as personal resources, in the mistreatment–ill‐being relationship. Design: Lagged design. Methods: We collected data from 153 Irish healthcare workers between January 2018 and June 2019 via three surveys, separated by 1‐week intervals. Personal resources were measured at Time 1, frequency of mistreatment from the two sources was assessed at Time 2 and affective ill‐being was assessed at Time 3. We used moderated regression analyses to evaluate the association of mistreatment frequency from the two sources and affective ill‐being and the moderating effect of personal resources. Results: Only insider mistreatment frequency was positively related to affective ill‐being. Furthermore, the positive impact of insider mistreatment on affective ill‐being was moderated by self‐efficacy (but not by trait resilience). In contrast to our expectations, the relationship was stronger at high levels compared to low levels of self‐efficacy. Conclusion: Mistreatment from co‐workers and supervisors is linked to higher levels of affective ill‐being. Additionally, healthcare workers with high self‐efficacy were more vulnerable to the negative consequences of co‐worker and supervisor mistreatment as it impacted their affective ill‐being. Impact: These findings extend the literature on workplace mistreatment by integrating insider and outsider perpetrators of mistreatment and examining their differential impact on the employees' affective ill‐being. It also highlights mistreatment from organizational insiders as a significant factor in the relationship between mistreatment and affective ill‐being. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Community?: The findings underscore the detrimental impact of workplace mistreatment on the well‐being of healthcare professionals.The study findings of higher frequency of insider mistreatment being associated with increased affective ill‐being call for action, with line managers and supervisors being critical to achieving respective changes in healthcare workers' environment.The findings have implications for policymakers interested in developing a framework to support healthcare professionals in addressing workplace mistreatment, enabling them to effectively fulfil their role as care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim s : The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief, with a specific focus on adult‐child caregivers in mainland China. Additionally, the study explored whether coping strategies played a mediating role in this correlation. Methods: A convenience sample of 320 adult‐child caregivers of older parents with dementia from Kunming, mainland China, was recruited for the study. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Marwit‐Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory‐Short Form, the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, and the Ways of Coping Checklist‐Revised. Results: Results using linear regression and multiple mediation analysis with Hayes' process model indicated that caregiving burden was positively related to pre‐death grief and that active coping mediated the relationship between them. In the female group, active coping partially mediated the association between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief, but in the male group, this mediating effect did not exist. Conclusion: The study found evidence supporting the link between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief among adult‐child caregivers of older parents with dementia in mainland China. Furthermore, the caregiving burden prevented the use of active coping, and this decrease in coping increased the perception of pre‐death grief. These associations only existed in the female group. Implications: This paper presented the importance of active coping skills in the dementia caregiving process. Impact: The findings of this study emphasize the necessity for health practitioners to provide targeted interventions regarding pre‐death grief among dementia caregivers and strengthen caregivers' active coping strategies to reduce their pre‐death grief. Community‐based and personal care support services should be promoted to alleviate their caregiving burden. Reporting Method: We have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with quantitative design statements and the corresponding checklist was followed. Patient or Public Contribution: 'No patient or public involvement'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Develop evidence‐based recommendations for managers to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work. Design: A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory design. Methods: National data were collected in 2020 via an e‐survey based on a meta‐analysis of antecedents of thriving from 213 primary healthcare nurses across New Zealand. Structural equation modelling analysis identified the key factors supporting primary healthcare nurses to thrive. This informed a second open‐ended e‐survey in 2022 of 19 nurses from one primary healthcare organization. The thematic analysis provided recommendations for improving management strategies to support thriving primary healthcare nurses. Results: The vitality component of thriving significantly reduced burnout and intention to leave organization and profession. In contrast, the learning component of thriving had a significant positive effect on burnout. The key factors that support thriving at work are empowering leadership and perceived organizational supports (decreases burnout and intention to leave organization and profession through enhanced vitality). Recommendations for improving thriving were made in eight key areas: communication, effective management, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, effective orientation, reward and work–life balance. Conclusions: Vitality is important in reducing burnout and turnover intentions. While learning was identified as increasing burnout, professional development and training for managers were identified as essential. Hence, the vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, but more research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time. Primary healthcare nurses have identified that empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are critical factors in supporting them to thrive, and they provide specific recommendations for managers to improve these factors in the clinical setting. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study collected data from Registered Nurses only. What Is Already Known: A plethora of existing research focuses on resilience in nurses rather than thriving at work.Enabling employees to thrive at work contributes to improved well‐being and sustainable organizational performance. What This Paper Adds: Empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are the key factors that support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work.The vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, and further research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time.Primary healthcare nurses recommend that managers focus on improving communication, management efficiency, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, orientation, reward and work–life balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and test the psychometric properties of an expanded catheter self‐management scale for patients with in‐dwelling urinary catheters. Design: A cross‐sectional validation study. Despite the utility of the original 13‐item catheter self‐management scale, this instrument did not include bowel management, general hygiene and drainage bag care, which are fundamental skills in urinary catheter self‐management to prevent common problems resulting in unnecessary hospital presentations. The expanded catheter self‐management scale was developed with 10 additional items to comprehensively assess all five essential aspects of urinary catheter self‐management. Methods: A total of 101 adult community‐dwelling patients living with indwelling urinary catheters were recruited from Western Sydney, Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation, the number of factors to be extracted from the expanded 23‐item expanded catheter self‐management scale was determined using a scree plot. The reliability of the overall scale and subscales was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlations between clinical characteristics, overall scale and subscales. Results: The 23‐item expanded catheter self‐management scale yielded a 5‐factor solution, labelled as: (i) self‐monitoring of catheter function, (ii) proactive, help‐seeking behaviour function, (iii) bowel self‐care function, (iv) hygiene‐related catheter site function and (v) drainage bag care function. Cronbach's alpha of the expanded catheter self‐management scale indicating all 23 items contributed to the overall alpha value. Convergent validity results showed a negative correlation between the overall expanded catheter self‐management scale and catheter‐related problems. Conclusion: The 5‐factor structure provided a comprehensive assessment of key aspects of urinary catheter self‐management essential to reduce the likelihood of catheter‐related hospital presentations. Implications: The expanded catheter self‐management scale can be used to assess and monitor effective patient‐centred interventions for optimal self‐management to prevent catheter‐related problems and improve the quality of life of patients. Impact: Many patients start their journey of living with a urinary catheter unexpectedly and are not supported with quality information to care for their catheter.The findings of this study show the correlation between catheter self‐management skills and catheter‐related problems.The expanded catheter self‐management scale (E‐CSM) assists with analysing the self‐management skills of patients living with a catheter and developing tailored interventions to prevent problems and improve their quality of life. In addition, this screening tool can be included in policies, guidelines, and care plans as a standard for improving catheter management and developing educational resources for patients. Reporting Method: STROBE checklist was used to report all aspects of this study comprehensively and accurately. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients living with indwelling urinary catheter and their carers have participated in surveys, interviews and co‐designing interventions. This paper reports the psychometric analysis of the expanded catheter self‐management scale (E‐CSM) used in the patient survey as part of the main study 'Improving Quality of Life of Patients Living with Indwelling Urinary Catheters: IQ‐IDC Study' (Alex et al. in Collegian, 29:405–413, 2021). We greatly value our consumers' contributions and continue to communicate the progress of the study to them. Their contributions will be acknowledged in all publications and presentations. In addition, all participants will be provided the option of receiving the interventions and publications generated from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to examine the relationship between perceived organizational support and resilience; (b) to investigate the potential mediating role of general self‐efficacy and cognitive reappraisal among emergency nurses who have experienced workplace violence; and (c) to explore the application of Kumpfer's resilience framework to emergency department nurses. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: From February 17, 2021, to March 8, 2021, 825 emergency nurses working in the emergency departments of tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China, completed an online survey. Data on resilience, organizational support, cognitive reappraisal and general self‐efficacy were collected through questionnaires. The Spearman analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between variables, while the mediation analysis was conducted using AMOS 23.0 statistical software. Results: The findings of a study involving 825 emergency nurses who reported experiencing workplace violence reveal a positive correlation between perceived organizational support and resilience. Additionally, it has been observed that the relationship between these two factors is mediated by both cognitive reappraisal and general self‐efficacy. Furthermore, the mediating effect of cognitive reappraisal is more significant in this relationship. Conclusion: Kumpfer's resilience framework is found to apply to emergency nurses. Perceived organizational support, an environmental factor, affects resilience directly and positively. In addition, cognitive reappraisal and general self‐efficacy, which are individual factors, mediate this influence path. These findings suggest an interaction between environmental and individual factors in determining the resilience of emergency nurses. Impact: These findings have implications for developing resilience intervention strategies for emergency nurses exposed to occupational violence. Enhancing personal attributes such as general self‐efficacy and cognitive reappraisal is as significant as strengthening external organizational support environments for enhancing nurses' resilience. Patient or Public Contribution: Emergency nurses participated in the pilot test of our questionnaire survey and gave their opinions on the questionnaire design. Summary Statement: What is already known about the topic? In emergency rooms, workplace violence is prevalent, and it seriously endangers nurses' physical and mental health. Enhancing resilience can improve nurses' ability to self‐regulate after experiencing violence. However, the drivers and mechanisms of resilience among emergency nurses who have experienced workplace violence remain unidentified. What this paper adds? This study confirms the applicability of Kumpfer's resilience framework to emergency nurses who have experienced workplace violence. Nurses' self‐efficacy and cognitive reappraisal mediate the relationship between perceived organizational support and resilience after exposure to workplace violence. The resilience process for emergency nurses involves the interaction of individual and environmental factors. Implications for practice/policy. Managers and researchers should consider the interaction between individual and environmental factors when developing resilience intervention strategies for emergency nurses who have suffered workplace violence. It is essential to support emergency nurses from the dyadic dimensions of the environment and the individual. A supportive organizational environment and individual positive adjustment strategies are equally important in promoting resilience among nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the relationship between nurse practitioner work environment and nurse practitioner outcomes (job satisfaction and intent to leave) in the United States. Design The study used a cross‐sectional survey design to collect survey data from primary care nurse practitioners in six states in the United States. Methods: We sent mail surveys to 5689 eligible nurse practitioners in Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, California and Texas. The mail also contained an online link. Participants could complete either the paper or online questionnaire. In total, 1244 participants completed the survey in 2018–2019. The work environment was measured using the Nurse Practitioner‐Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire comprised of four subscales: Nurse Practitioner‐Administration Relations, Nurse Practitioner‐Physician Relations, Independent Practice and Support and Professional Visibility. Global items measured job satisfaction and intent to leave. We used mixed‐effect proportional‐odds cumulative logit models to assess the association between work environment and job satisfaction and intent to leave. Results: Overall, 90% of participants were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their job and 22% reported intent to leave their job in 1 year. With a one‐unit increase in the organizational‐level Nurse Practitioner‐Administration Relations score, the odds of having a higher job satisfaction level increased by about four times and the odds of intent to leave job decreased by about 60%. A higher organizational‐level Nurse Practitioner‐Physician Relations score was significantly associated with higher job satisfaction and lower odds of intent to leave. Conclusion: Improvements in work environments may improve nurse practitioner job satisfaction and retention. Impact This study examined the relationship between work environment, job satisfaction and turnover intention of nurse practitioners. Better work environment is associated with higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention. Findings have implications for clinical leadership who can take actions to create better work environments to increase the nurse practitioner workforce capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Aims: To determine how undergraduate assistant in nursing employment in aged care helps to prepare new graduates for clinical work as a Registered Nurse. Background: The amount and quality of clinical experience afforded by university programs has been the subject of constant debate in the nursing profession. New graduate nurses are often deemed inadequately prepared for clinical practice and so many nursing students seek employment as assistants in nursing whilst studying to increase their clinical experience. Design: This paper presents the first phase of a larger mixed‐methods study to explore whether undergraduate assistant in nursing employment in aged care prepares new graduate nurses for the clinical work environment. The first phase involved the collection of quantitative data from a modified Preparation for Clinical Practice survey, which contained 50‐scaled items relating to nursing practice. Methods: Ethics approval was obtained prior to commencing data collection. New graduate nurses who were previously employed as assistants in nursing in aged care and had at least 3 months’ experience as a Registered Nurse, were invited to complete the survey. Social media and professional networks were used to distribute the survey between March 2015 – May 2016 and again in January 2017—February 2017. Purposeful and snowballing sampling methods using social media and nursing networks were used to collect survey responses. Data were analysed using principal components analysis. Results: 110 completed surveys were returned. Principal components analysis revealed four underlying constructs (components) of undergraduate assistant in nursing employment in aged care. These were emotional literacy (component 1), clinical skills (component 2), managing complex patient care (component 3) and health promotion (component 4). Conclusion: The four extracted components reflect the development of core nursing skills that transcend that of technical skills and includes the ability to situate oneself as a nurse in the care of an individual and in a healthcare team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and psychometrically test the validity of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale. Background: Female cancer survivors need to self-advocate to overcome challenges associated with cancer yet no valid measure of self-advocacy exists. Design: Instrument development. Mixed-mode cross-sectional survey design. Participants: We recruited adult females (18+ years; N = 317) with a history of invasive cancer from local and national tumour registries and advocacy organizations to complete online or paper questionnaires. Methods: Between July 2014 - March 2015 to evaluate the construct validity based on evidence of the scale's: (1) internal structure consistent with the underlying model of self-advocacy; (2) sensitivity to differences between groups known to differ in self-advocacy skills; (3) relationships between self-advocacy and key potential predictors (openness and conscientiousness; information engagement; social support) and outcomes (symptom burden and healthcare utilization); (4) relationships between self-advocacy and related concepts (patient activation; self-advocacy within another patient population); and (5) relationships between self-advocacy and criterion measures. Analyses included an exploratory factor analysis, t tests, and bivariate correlations using validated, reliable measures for constructs. Results: Evidence from all five hypotheses supported the construct validity of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale. The factor analysis confirmed the three underlying dimensions of self-advocacy resulting in a 20-item measure with strong internal consistency that explained almost half of response variance. Conclusion: The Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship Scale is a valid, reliable measure of how well adult female cancer survivors can get their needs met in the face of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To validate the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire ( HLS- EU-Q47) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Background The HLS- EU-Q47 latent variable is outlined in a framework with four cognitive domains integrated in three health domains, implying 12 theoretically defined subscales. Valid and reliable health literacy measurers are crucial to effectively adapt health communication and education to individuals and groups of patients. Design Cross-sectional study applying confirmatory latent trait analyses. Methods Using a paper-and-pencil self-administered approach, 388 adults responded in March 2015. The data were analysed using the Rasch methodology and confirmatory factor analysis. Results Response violation (response dependency) and trait violation (multidimensionality) of local independence were identified. Fitting the 'multidimensional random coefficients multinomial logit' model, 1-, 3- and 12-dimensional Rasch models were applied and compared. Poor model fit and differential item functioning were present in some items, and several subscales suffered from poor targeting and low reliability. Despite multidimensional data, we did not observe any unordered response categories. Conclusion Interpreting the domains as distinct but related latent dimensions, the data fit a 12-dimensional Rasch model and a 12-factor confirmatory factor model best. Therefore, the analyses did not support the estimation of one overall 'health literacy score.' To support the plausibility of claims based on the HLS- EU score(s), we suggest: removing the health care aspect to reduce the magnitude of multidimensionality; rejecting redundant items to avoid response dependency; adding 'harder' items and applying a six-point rating scale to improve subscale targeting and reliability; and revising items to improve model fit and avoid bias owing to person factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To generate pre‐hospital symptom networks, explore core, bridge and sentinel symptoms, identify pre‐hospital symptom clusters and analyse relationship between influencing factors and symptom clusters in decompensated cirrhosis patients. Design: A cross‐sectional study design using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. Methods: Demographical, physiological, psychological and sociological characteristics and the pre‐hospital symptoms of 292 decompensated cirrhotic patients were collected from October 2021 to March 2023 in China. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent samples t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance, exploratory factor analysis, multiple stepwise regression analysis and network analysis were used for data analysis. Results: 'I don't look like myself' and itching were core and bridge symptoms, while bloating and lack of energy were sentinel symptoms in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Monthly family income, anxiety, depression, social support and disease duration influenced the neuropsychological symptom cluster, with worrying as the strongest predictor symptom. Influential factors for cirrhosis‐specific symptom cluster included Child‐Pugh class, monthly family income, disease duration, anxiety and depression, with itching being the strongest predictor symptom. Monthly family income, disease duration and depression were influential factors for gastrointestinal symptom cluster, with loss of appetite as the strongest predictor symptom. Conclusions: Neuropsychological, cirrhosis‐specific and gastrointestinal symptom clusters were formed in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Through network analysis, direct connections between symptoms, symptom clusters and their influencing factors were revealed, thereby offering clinicians a foundation for effectively managing patients' pre‐hospital symptoms. Impact: Decompensated cirrhosis patients commonly have multiple symptoms, while the management of pre‐hospital symptoms is often suboptimal. This study identified neuropsychological, cirrhosis‐specific, gastrointestinal symptom clusters and recognized core, bridge and sentinel symptoms in these patients. It also revealed the most prominent symptoms within each cluster. This provides insight into the hierarchy of symptoms, improving symptom management in decompensated cirrhosis. Patient and Public Involvement: There was no patient or public involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to analyse the effects of servant leadership on nurses' emotional failure and compliance with standard precautions and to explore the moderating effect of individual resilience. Design: A cross‐sectional survey. Methods: This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted from October 9 to November 1, 2022. The convenience sampling method was used to collect questionnaire data from 924 clinical nurses in a third‐class general hospital in Chongqing, China. Results: The emotional exhaustion and compliance with standard precautions were at the general level. Servant leadership mediated by emotional exhaustion had a significant positive predictive effect on compliance with standard precautions. Personal resilience played a negative moderating role in the relationship between servant leadership and emotional exhaustion. For nurses with low resilience, servant leadership had a greater impact on emotional exhaustion. Conclusion: The current compliance with standard precautions for clinical nurses is not high due to emotional exhaustion. The level of servant leadership can alleviate nurses' emotional exhaustion and improve compliance with standard precautions. Especially for nurses with low personal resilience, the care and support of department leaders are needed. Impact: We found that the compliance with standard precautions is not high, and the link between emotional exhaustion, servant leadership and compliance with standard precautions provides a basis for further patient care. No Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public involvement. Impact Statement: Nurses are the key population for hospital infection prevention and control, and their level of compliance with standard precautions is of great significance for hospital infection prevention and control. However, in practice, nurses' compliance with standard precautions is generally low. Most of the previous studies on nurses' compliance with standard precautions were conducted from the perspective of individual nurses, based on the staff's 'knowledge, belief, and action' to study the current status of compliance with standard precautions and the factors affecting adherence, with less attention paid to the influence of psychological, environmental, and organizational factors. Therefore, the study focuses on the impact of servant leadership and emotional exhaustion on standard precautionary adherence, which is of great significance for good care management at the organizational level. It also explored how the impact of servant leadership on emotional exhaustion varies across levels of resilience, which is important for accurately identifying different types of nursing staff and targeting assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify health literacy profiles in individuals receiving haemodialysis and to explore how these profiles interact with individuals' self‐efficacy, engagement with traditional dietary habits, self‐reported fluid restriction and relative‐interdialytic weight gain. Design: A cross‐sectional study engaging nephrology departments from four hospitals in Guangdong Province, China. Methods: A sample of 433 individuals receiving haemodialysis participated between December 2018 and July 2019. We assessed health literacy, self‐efficacy and self‐reported fluid restriction using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, the Fluid Self‐efficacy Scale and the Fluid Adherence Subscale, respectively. Traditional dietary habits, including daily tea drinking, soup drinking and preserved food consumption, were measured using three yes/no questions. Relative‐interdialytic weight gain was calculated by dividing the mean interdialytic weight gain (from three recent intervals) by dry weight. Latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling were performed. Results: Three health literacy profiles were identified: low, moderate and high. Compared to those in the low health literacy profile, individuals in high and moderate health literacy profiles demonstrated an indirect association with reduced relative‐interdialytic weight gain. This reduction can be attributed to their higher self‐efficacy levels, decreased reliance on dietary habits and higher self‐reported fluid restrictions. Conclusions: Most participants exhibited either low or moderate levels of health literacy. Improving health literacy has the potential to promote self‐efficacy and foster effective fluid restriction, ultimately leading to a reduction in relative‐interdialytic weight gain in individuals receiving haemodialysis. Impact: This study reveals heterogeneity in health literacy levels among individuals receiving haemodialysis and illuminates the connections between an individual's entire spectrum of health literacy and fluid management. These findings provide valuable insights for developing person‐centred fluid management interventions, especially for individuals with diverse cultural dietary backgrounds within the haemodialysis population. Reporting Method: We adhered to the STROBE guideline. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients were included only for collecting their data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper presents a discussion of the use of confirmatory factor analysis to test nursing theory. Background. Theory testing is an important phase in nursing theory development. Testing of theory is intended to give more information about concepts and their usefulness in nursing practice. Confirmatory factor analysis is commonly used in instrument development in nursing science studies, but also in theory testing. However, there has been little discussion of its use in theory testing in nursing science research. Data sources. Multidisciplinary methodological and research publications from 1990 to 2009 were used. Discussion. The aim of confirmatory factor analysis is to test nursing theory that has already been established, i.e. researchers have an a priori hypothesis based on theoretical knowledge or empirical indications. Analysis is represented as three phases: preparation, model testing and reporting the results. Preparation involves data screening and preliminary analyses. Model testing is divided into model specification, model identification, model estimation, model evaluation and model modification. The results are reported with standardized regression coefficients of the items related to the latent variables, squared multiple correlations (R2) related to error terms and the model's goodness of fit indexes. Implications for nursing. Testing of theory is intended to give more valid information about the concepts and their usefulness in nursing practice. Conclusion. Confirmatory factor analysis is a good method to test the structure of theory, for example to test the concepts built by concept synthesis or analysis. Tested theories are needed to develop nursing science itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

paans w., sermeus w., nieweg r.m.b. & van der schans c.p. (2010) D-Catch instrument: development and psychometric testing of a measurement instrument for nursing documentation in hospitals. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(6), 1388–1400. Title. D-Catch instrument: development and psychometric testing of a measurement instrument for nursing documentation in hospitals. Aim. This paper is a report of the development and testing of the psychometric properties of an instrument to measure the accuracy of nursing documentation in general hospitals. Background. Little information is available about the accuracy of nursing documentation. None of the existing instruments that quantify accuracy of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and progress and outcome evaluations are suitable to measure documentation in general hospital environments, nor were they intended for this purpose. Method. The D-Catch instrument, based on the Cat-ch-Ing instrument and the Scale for Degrees of Accuracy in Nursing Diagnoses, was developed in 2007–2008. Content validity of the D-Catch instrument was assessed by two Delphi panels, in which pairs of independent reviewers assessed 245 patient records in seven hospitals in the Netherlands. Construct validity was assessed by explorative factor analysis with principal components and varimax rotation. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The inter-rater reliability of the D-Catch instrument was tested by calculating Cohen’s weighted kappa ( Kw) for each pair of reviewers. Results. Quantity and quality variables were used to assess the accuracy of nursing documentation. Three constructs were identified in the factor analysis. ‘Accuracy of the nursing diagnosis’ was the only variable with substantial loading on component two (0·907) and a modest loading on component one (0·230). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0·722. The inter-rater reliability ( Kw) varied between 0·742 and 0·896. Conclusion. The D-Catch instrument is a valid and reliable measurement instrument to assess nursing documentation in general hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the contributions of psychosocial factors (attitude towards drinking, perceived drinking norms [PDNs], perceived behavioural control [PBC]), and biological sex on drinking intention and behaviours among rural Thai adolescents. Design: A cross-sectional study design. Methods: In 2022, stratified by sex and grade, we randomly selected 474 rural Thai adolescents (Mage= 14.5 years; SD = 0.92; 50.6% male) from eight public district schools in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modelling with the weighted least square mean and variance adjusted was used for data analysis. Results: All adolescents' psychosocial factors contributed significantly to the prediction of drinking intention, which subsequently influenced their drinking onset, current drinking and binge drinking pattern in the past 30 days. PDNs emerged as the strongest psychosocial predictor of drinking intention, followed by PBC. Rural adolescents' drinking intention significantly mediated the relationship between all psychosocial factors and drinking behaviours either fully or partially. The path coefficient between drinking attitude and drinking intention was significantly different between males and females. Conclusion: Different from previous studies focus on adolescents' drinking attitude, rural Thai adolescents' PDNs play a significant role on their drinking intention and subsequently their drinking onset and patterns. This nuanced understanding supports a paradigm shift to target adolescents' perceived drinking norms as a means to delay their drinking onset and problematic drinking behaviours. Impact: Higher levels of perceived drinking norms significantly led to the increase in drinking intention among adolescents. Minimizing adolescents' perceptions of favourable drinking norms and promoting their capacity to resist drinking, especially due to peer pressure, are recommended for nursing roles as essential components of health education campaigns and future efforts to prevent underage drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To refine the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale (RMRS) by creating a more concise scale, improving the reliability, particularly of the personal integrity subscale and providing further evidence of validity. Background: Healthcare workers are exposed to moral adversity in practice. When unable to preserve/restore their integrity, moral suffering ensues. Moral resilience is a resource that may mitigate negative consequences. To better understand mechanisms for doing so, a valid and reliable measurement tool is necessary. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Participants (N = 1297) had completed ≥1 items on the RMRS as part of the baseline survey of a larger longitudinal study. Item analysis, confirmatory factor analyses, reliability analyses (Cronbach's alpha), and correlations were used to establish reliability and validity of the revised RMRS. Results: Item and confirmatory factor analysis were used to refine the RMRS from 21 to 16 items. The four-factor structure (responses to moral adversity, personal integrity, relational integrity and moral efficacy) demonstrated adequate fit in follow-up confirmatory analyses in the initial and hold-out sub-samples. All subscales and the total scale had adequate reliabilities (α ≥ 0.70). A higher-order factor analysis supports the computation of either subscale scores or a total scale score. Correlations of scores with stress, anxiety, depression and moral distress provide evidence of the scale's validity. Reliability of the personal integrity subscale improved. Conclusion and Implications: The RMRS-16 demonstrates adequate reliability and validity, particularly the personal integrity subscale. Moral resilience is an important lever for reducing consequences when confronted with ethical challenges in practice. Improved reliability of the four subscales and having a shorter overall scale allow for targeted application and will facilitate further research and intervention development. Patient/Public Contribution: Data came from a larger study of Canadian healthcare workers from multiple healthcare organizations who completed a survey about their experiences during COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this was to psychometrically adapt and evaluate the Tilburg Frailty Indicator to assess frailty among older people living in Slovenia's community and nursing home settings. Design: A cross- cultural adaptation and validation of instruments throughout the cross- sectional study. Methods: Older people living in the community and nursing homes throughout Slovenia were recruited between March and August 2021. Among 831 participants were 330 people living in nursing homes and 501 people living in the community, and all were older than 65 years. Results: All items were translated into the Slovene language, and a slight cultural adjustment was made to improve the clarity of the meaning of all items. The average scale validity index of the scale was rated as good, which indicates satisfactory content validity. Cronbach's α was acceptable for the total items and subitems. Conclusions: The Slovenian questionnaire version demonstrated adequate internal consistency, reliability, and construct and criterion validity. The questionnaire is suitable for investigating frailty in nursing homes, community dwelling and other settings where older people live. Impact: The Slovenian questionnaire version can be used to measure and evaluate frailty among older adults. We have found that careful translation and adaptation processes have maintained the instrument's strong reliability and validity for use in a new cultural context. The instrument can foster international collaboration to identify and manage frailty among older people in nursing homes and community-dwelling homes. Reporting Method: The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for reporting cross-sectional studies was used. No Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public involvement in the design or conduct of the study. Head nurses from nursing homes and community nurses helped recruit older adults. Older adults only contributed to the data collection and were collected from nursing homes and community dwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test the Ethical Conflict Scale for Nurses in Extraordinary Circumstances (ECSNEC). Design: This study is designed to develop and validate an instrument. Methods: There are four basic steps in the development process of ECSNEC: (1) establishment of the conceptual framework, (2) creation of the item pool, (3) preliminary evaluation and (4) psychometric evaluation. The data were gathered from 519 nurses who worked in two different hospitals operating in Istanbul between June 2022 and October 2022. Results: The scale had good content validity. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor construct which explained 47.31% of the total variance in the measured variable. The corresponding construct was confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were greater than .60 for all dimensions. The test--retest reliability coefficient value of the scale was 0.90. Conclusion: ECSNEC is a valid and reliable tool to determine the ethical conflict experienced by nurses in extraordinary circumstances. Impact: The established scale allows the identification of factors influencing the ethical challenges nurses face in extraordinary circumstances. Thus, policies can be developed to prevent such ethical conflicts. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore if and how nurses' perceived organizational support affects their ability to handle and resolve ethical value conflicts. Design: A mixed methods design with a longitudinal questionnaire survey and focus group interviews. Methods: A questionnaire survey in six hospitals in two Swedish regions provided data from 711 nurses responding twice (November–January 2019/2020 and November–January 2020/2021). A cross‐lagged path model tested the mutual prospective influence between the organizational climate of perceived organizational support, frequency of ethical value conflicts, and resulting moral distress. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 21 strategically selected nurses (April–October 2021). Qualitative data collection and analysis were inspired by Grounded Theory. Results: A climate of perceived organizational support was empowering, contributing to role security. It prospectively decreased the frequency of ethical value conflicts but not the moral distress when conflicts did occur. Conclusion: It is important to facilitate the development of perceived organizational support among nurses, but also to reduce the occurrence of ethical value conflicts that the nurses cannot resolve. Implications for the Profession: By ensuring a shared care ideology, good inter‐professional relations within the entire care organization, providing clear and supportive organizational structures, and utilizing competence adequately, healthcare managers can facilitate and support the development of perceived organizational support among nurses. Nurses who are empowered by perceived organizational support are stimulated by and take pride in their work and experience the work as meaningful and joyful. Impact: The study addressed the question of whether healthcare organizations could support nurses to resolving ethical value conflicts, and thus reduce moral distress. Perceived organizational support is related to factors such as ideological caring alignment and supportive organizational preconditions. This study contributes specific knowledge about how healthcare organizations can empower nurses to effectively resolve ethical value conflicts and thereby reduce their moral distress. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To psychometrically assess the Spanish version of the Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory (SC‐CII‐Sp) in community‐dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity. Design: A methodological study. Method: A total of 1260 older adults participated in the study between May 2020 and February 2022. The data were analysed using SPSS Statistics® 26 and AMOS® 24. The items' content validity index and the Fleiss' kappa were calculated to assess the SC‐CII‐Sp's content validity. Convergent validity was assessed by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient between the participants' scores on the SC‐CII‐Sp and their scores on the Spanish Chronic Disease Self‐Efficacy scale (SCD‐SE). Construct validity was tested by performing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The SC‐CII‐Sp's reliability was tested by computing the Cronbach's alpha. Results: The SC‐CII‐Sp showed good content and convergent validity. The CFA showed that the SC‐CII‐Sp has three sub‐scales. The 8‐item Self‐Care Maintenance sub‐scale has good internal consistency and is comprised of two dimensions: illness‐related and health‐promoting behaviour. The Self‐Care Monitoring sub‐scale had excellent internal consistency and its five loaded items belonged to a single dimension. The 6‐item Self‐Care Management sub‐scale has adequate internal consistency and two dimensions: autonomous and consulting behaviour. Conclusion: The Spanish version of SC‐CII is a valid and reliable instrument to be used in the assessment of self‐care behaviours amongst Spanish‐speaking, community‐dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity. Implications for the Profession: Nurses need valid and reliable tools to assess self‐care behaviours in Spanish‐speaking community‐dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity. This study provides a 19‐item tool that allows for the comprehensive evaluation of self‐care behaviours in healthy and ill states. Impact: Using the SC‐CII‐Sp in clinical or research settings could help nurses to examine the effects of different interventions on self‐care behaviours amongst Spanish‐speaking, community‐dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity. Patient or Public Contribution: None to be reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To develop and psychometrically test a survey instrument to identify the factors influencing the provision of end-of-life care by critical care nurses. Background Following a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, critical care nurses remain with the patient and their family providing end-of-life care. Identification of factors influencing the provision of this care can give evidence to inform practice development and support nurses. Design A cross-sectional survey of critical care nurses. Method An online survey was developed, reviewed by an expert panel and pilot tested to obtain preliminary evidence of its reliability and validity. In May 2011, a convenience sample of critical care nurses ( n = 392, response rate 25%) completed the survey. The analytical approach to data obtained from the 58 items measured on a Likert scale included exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Results Exploratory factor analysis identified eight factors influencing the provision of end-of-life care: emotional support for nurses, palliative values, patient and family preferences, resources, organizational support, care planning, knowledge and preparedness. Internal consistency of each latent construct was deemed satisfactory. The results of descriptive statistics revealed a strong commitment to the inclusion of families in end-of-life care and the value of this care in the critical care setting. Conclusion This paper reports preliminary evidence of the psychometric properties of a new survey instrument. The findings may inform practice development opportunities to support critical care nurses in the provision of end-of-life care and improve the care that patients and their families receive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuity of care is viewed as a hallmark of high‐quality care in the primary care context. Measures to evaluate the quality of provider performance are scarce, and it is unclear how the assessments correlate with patients' experiences of care as coherent and interconnected over time, consistent with their preferences and care needs. Aim: To develop and evaluate a patient‐reported experience measure of continuity of care in primary care for patients with complex care needs. Method: The study was conducted in two stages: (1) development of the instrument based on theory and empirical studies and reviewed for content validity (16 patients with complex care needs and 8 experts) and (2) psychometric evaluation regarding factor structure, test–retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, and convergent validity. In all, 324 patients participated in the psychometric evaluation. Results: The Patient Experienced Continuity of care Questionnaire (PECQ) contains 20 items clustered in four dimensions of continuity of care measuring Information (four items), Relation (six items), Management (five items), and Knowledge (five items). Overall, the hypothesized factor structure was indicated. The PECQ also showed satisfactory convergent validity, internal consistency, and stability. Conclusion/Implications: The PECQ is a multidimensional patient experience instrument that can provide information on various dimensions useful for driving quality improvement strategies in the primary care context for patients with complex care needs. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients have participated in the content validation of the items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to develop the Risk Perception Scale of Disease Aggravation for older patients with non‐communicable diseases and evaluate its psychometric properties. Design: Instrument development and cross‐sectional validation study were conducted. Methods: This study contained four phases. In phase I, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the conception of disease aggravation and risk perception. In phase II, a draft scale was formulated from face‐to‐face semi‐structured in‐depth interviews by Colaizzi's seven‐step qualitative analysis method and group discussions among the researchers. In phase III, domains and items of the scale were revised in accordance with the suggestions from Delphi consultation and patient feedback. In phase IV, psychometric properties were evaluated. Findings: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses determined four structural factors. Convergent and discriminant validities were acceptable because the average variance extracted coefficients ranged from.622 to.725, and the square roots of the average variance extracted coefficients for the four domains were larger than those of bivariate correlations between domains. The scale also exhibited excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient =.973, intraclass correlation coefficient =.840). Conclusions: Risk Perception Scale of Disease Aggravation is a new instrument that measures the risk perception of disease aggravation for older patients with non‐communicable diseases, including possible reason, serious outcome, behaviour control and affection experience. The scale contains 40 items that are scored on a 5‐point Likert scale, and it has acceptable validity and reliability. Impact: The scale is applied to identify different levels of risk perception of disease aggravation for older patients with non‐communicable diseases. Clinical nurses can provide targeted interventions to improve older patients' risk perception of disease aggravation based on levels of risk perception during hospitalization and the period before discharge. Patient or Public Contribution: Experts provided suggestions for revising the scale dimensions and items. Older patients participated in the scale revision process to improve the wording of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the interrelationships between oral hygiene habits, oral health status and cognitive function in older adults. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Setting and Participants: A total of 371 participants (age 76.79 [7.99] years) were enrolled from June 2020 to November 2021 in an aged care facility. Methods: Cognitive function was screened using the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) with adjusted cut‐off points for age and education. Periodontal status (Biofilm‐Gingival Interface index based on periodontal probing depth and bleeding on probing), dental status (plaque, calculus, and caries), and tooth loss were assessed through full‐mouth examination. Oral hygiene habits were based on self‐ or informant‐reporting. Results: Poor periodontal status was an associated factor for MCI (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.20–6.95), while multiple tooth loss (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.06 ~ 22.59), brushing teeth less than once a day (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.12 ~ 7.45) and delayed dental visits (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.05 ~ 5.68) were associated factors for cognitive impairment. An indirect effect of brushing teeth ≥2 daily on MMSE score through periodontal status was observed only in older adults without cognitive impairment (Bootstrap‐corrected B = 0.17, 95%CI = 0.03 ~ 0.36, SE = 0.08, β = 0.08). Conclusions and Implications: Adequate toothbrushing might prevent cognitive decline indirectly by improving periodontal health only in older adults without cognitive impairment. Multiple tooth loss, infrequent toothbrushing, and delayed dental visits were associated factors for cognitive impairment. Nursing professionals and health care policymakers should advocate for the improvement of basic oral hygiene in older adults, and provide regular professional oral hygiene care for older adults with cognitive impairment. Patient or Public Contribution: The information on oral health habits of this study was based on an interview with the participants or their caregivers during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a parsimonious, shortened version of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised for perioperative nurses to complete as part of their specialty training while retaining good psychometric properties. Design: A longitudinal online survey was adopted. Methods: A national sample of perioperative nurses from Australia completed an online survey at two different time points 6 months apart between February and October 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for item reduction and construct validity, while criterion, convergent validity and internal consistency were examined. Results: Usable data for psychometric assessment were obtained from 485 operating room nurses at time 1 and 164 nurses at time 2. The original 40‐item revised scale was reduced to an 18‐item measure, maintaining its six domains. Cronbach's alpha for the 18‐item scale was.92 at time 1 and.90 at time 2. Scale validation demonstrated moderate to weak positive relationships in perceived competence scores relative to general self‐efficacy, years of operating room experience, postgraduate education and recency of training. Conclusions: Results suggest the 18‐item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised Short Form has initial robust psychometric properties and may be implemented in clinical settings as part of perioperative transition‐to‐practice, orientation programs and yearly professional development reviews. Implications for the Profession: This short‐form scale can help prepare perioperative nurses to demonstrate clinical competence in a climate of increasing professional demands using a valid measure of competence required in clinical practice. Impact: Short and validated scales of perioperative competence are needed in clinical practice. Assessment of practising operating room nurses' perceived competence is essential in quality care provision, workforce planning and human resource management. This study provides an 18‐item measure of the previously validated 40‐item Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale‐Revised. This scale can help provide an option for future testing of perioperative nurses' competence in clinical or research settings. Patient or Public Contribution: Perioperative nurses were involved in the design of the study, particularly in the assessment of validation of the tools used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe psychometric validation of the newly developed Advanced Practice Nurse Task Questionnaire. Design: Cross‐sectional quantitative study. Methods: The development of the questionnaire followed an adapted version of the seven steps described in the guide by the Association for Medical Education in Europe. A nationwide online survey tested the construct and structural validity and internal consistency using an exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and a Kruskal–Wallis test to compare the hypotheses. Results: We received 222 questionnaires between January and September 2020. The factor analysis produced a seven‐factor solution as suggested in Hamric's model. However, not all item loadings aligned with the framework's competencies. Cronbach's alpha of factors ranged between.795 and.879. The analysis confirmed the construct validity of the Advanced Practice Nurse Task Questionnaire. The tool was able to discriminate the competencies of guidance and coaching, direct clinical practice and leadership across the three advanced practice nurse roles clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner or blended role. Conclusion: A precise assessment of advanced practice nurse tasks is crucial in clinical practice and in research as it may be a basis for further refinement, implementation and evaluation of roles. Impact: The Advanced Practice Nurse Task Questionnaire is the first valid tool to assess tasks according to Hamric's model of competencies independently of the role or the setting. Additionally, it distinguishes the most common advanced practice nurse roles according to the degree of tasks in direct clinical practice and leadership. The tool may be applied in various countries, independent of the degree of implementation and understanding of advanced nursing practice. Reporting Method: The STARD 2015 guideline was used to report the study. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper reports a study testing of the validity and reliability of the personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale in family services in Finland. Background The role of family services in parental reinforcement is important, given their extensive reach to most families and their aim of promoting family welfare. No instruments applicable to this situation were available in Finland. The Family Empowerment Scale is a widely used instrument that measures parent's empowerment. The personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale enables an evaluation of the reinforcement of empowerment. Design This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Methods The Family Empowerment Scale was modified to measure how family services personnel evaluate reinforcement of parental empowerment. In May 2009, a questionnaire was sent to unit heads ( n = 457) in public social, health and educational services for families with children aged 0-9 years. The construct, convergent and discriminant validities, reliability and responsiveness of the personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale were assessed. Results According to confirmatory factor analysis, the personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale comprised three subscales (family, service system and community) as in the original Family Empowerment Scale. Confirmed convergent and discriminant validities supported the same construct. The reliability of the personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale was acceptable. The reinforcement level of parental empowerment was high. Parental empowerment was reinforced most in health and least in educational services. Conclusion The psychometric properties of the personnel version of the Family Empowerment Scale were acceptable. It can serve as a generic instrument for assessing reinforcement of empowerment in family services in Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This paper is a report of a study, which seeks to determine if self-reported estimates of RNs' self-rated confidence in responding to alcohol use in patients is a psychometrically sound measure. Background Alcohol-related harm is a global public health problem. Nurses are the largest group of health professionals worldwide, with evidence showing that despite being well placed to respond, they are not engaging in this important role. Design Instrument development. Method The study was a survey set in a large teaching hospital in England, UK. The Clinical Confidence Questionnaire was made available to a convenience sample of 200 RNs in 2007, with a response rate of 22%. Rasch analysis was used to develop a scale for future learning based on the conjoint estimates of registered hospital nurses abilities to meet needs of patients requiring nursing care of different complexities related to alcohol use in patients. Results Outcomes verify that registered hospital nurses' self-rated clinical confidence measures for their own nursing abilities in responding to alcohol use in patients can be reliably estimated and a hierarchical scale of learning can be generated to inform curricula content and learning processes. Conclusion Current health policy in the UK identifies nurses as having a role in responding to alcohol-related harm. More focus should, therefore, be placed on ensuring that they are prepared to fully engage with patients in assessing and responding to alcohol use through specific education, training and skill development. The self-rated clinical confidence tool offers evidence as an acceptable method of measurement in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Swedish version of the Body Awareness Questionnaire to measure bodily focus of attention. Background The Body Awareness Questionnaire has been identified as an instrument with excellent psychometric properties within the concept of body awareness. It has been used in both research and clinical settings in different contexts. However, a validated Swedish version is not available. Method A cross-sectional design was applied for adaptation of the Body Awareness Questionnaire and psychometric validation. Data were collected between autumn 2009 and spring 2011 from 120 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and from 120 students. The 'concurrent think aloud' method was used in a pre-test to determine the usability of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used to test the internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the construct validity. Results According to the confirmatory factor analysis, neither the one-factor model nor the four-factor model tested in this study fulfilled the pre-specified criteria in accordance with the Comparative Fit Index, Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual and the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation. The value of Cronbach's alpha for the Swedish version of the Body Awareness Questionnaire was satisfactory. Conclusion Our results indicate that the two models tested in this study do not provide a good fit to the observed data. Further refinement and testing of the Swedish version of the Body Awareness Questionnaire is therefore required. The concept of body awareness may be useful in the management of chronic disease and can be addressed in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper reports a study testing the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the Kogan Attitude towards Older People scale. Background. Nursing students' attitudes towards older people can affect their preference for working with them. One of the most common instruments used to assess these attitudes is the Kogan Attitude towards Older People scale. Previous validation studies performed on college students internationally have demonstrated good reliability and validity. The psychometric properties of the Italian version have not yet been tested. Design. A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Method. The study was conducted from March-June 2010 with a convenience sample of nursing students attending two Italian universities. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency and item-to-total correlation. Content and construct validity were evaluated using a content validity index and principal factor analysis. Results. A total of 1637 nursing students participated in the study. Two factors were extracted from the factor analysis: prejudice describing a negative disposition and appreciation indicating a favourable feeling and opinion towards older people. Conclusion. The Kogan Attitude towards Older People scale applied to Italian nursing students exhibited good internal consistency. The two-dimensional construct of the scale was congruent with some, but not all, results of previous studies due to methodological differences among the studies. Based on the study findings, the scale can be recommended for future research studies in Italy including use as pre/post-test measurement associated with nursing education programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gallagher k., marlow n., edgley a. & porock d. (2011) The attitudes of neonatal nurses towards extremely preterm infants. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1768-1779. Abstract Aim. The paper is a report of a study of the attitudes of neonatal nurses towards extremely preterm infants. Background. Alongside advancing survival at extremely preterm gestational ages, ethical debates concerning the provision of invasive care have proliferated in light of the high morbidity. Despite nurses being the healthcare professionals who work closest with the infant and their family, their potential influence is usually ignored when determining how parents come to decisions about future care for their extremely premature infant. Methods. A Q methodology was employed to explore the attitudes of neonatal nurses towards caring for extremely preterm infants. Data were collected between 2007 and 2008 and analysed using PQMethod and Card Content Analysis. Results. Thirty-six nurses from six neonatal units in the United Kingdom participated. Although there was consensus around the professional role of the nurse, when faced with the complexities of neonatal nursing three distinguishing factors emerged: the importance of parental choice in decision-making, the belief that technology should be used to assess response to treatment, and the belief that healthcare professionals should undertake difficult decisions. Conclusion. Neonatal nurses report unexpected difficulties in upholding their professionally defined role through highly complex and ever varied decision-making processes. Recognition of individual attitudes to the care of extremely preterm infants and the role of the family in the face of difficult decisions should facilitate more open communication between the nurse and the parents and improve the experience of both the nurse and the family during these emotional situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

jirwe m. & rudman a. (2012) Why choose a career in nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(7), 1615-1623. Abstract Aim. This paper examines the prevalence of various career-choice motives given by nursing students in two national cohorts at the beginning and end of their education respectively and how these motives are interrelated and associated with perceived career-choice stress. Background. Several international studies have identified various motives for choosing nursing. The degree to which motives are autonomous or controlled affects an individual's professional development and health. Earlier research on career choice has used small non-representative samples. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods. This was a study of all Swedish undergraduate nursing students in their first ( n = 1697) or last ( n = 1150) year. The data for this study were collected in 2002, forming the baseline of a prospective longitudinal study where data were collected annually between 2002-2010. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results. A model incorporating three factors explained 50-60% of the variance in motives for becoming a nurse. 'Genuine interest' was ranked highest, followed by 'practical reasons'. Only a small group of students gave nursing as 'default choice'. Fewer autonomous motives for choosing nursing were associated with perceived career-choice stress. Conclusion. We suggest that it is imperative for nurse educators to identify students who lack autonomy. Supporting students' autonomy is likely to improve educational outcome, enable professional socialization and decrease professional turnover. Future research on students' motivation in relation to educational outcome and professional turnover as well as quality of patient care is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gur-yaish n., zisberg a., sinoff g. & shadmi e. (2011) Development and psychometric testing of a measure of informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 931-938. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the questionnaire evaluating informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults. Background. Informal caregiving of hospitalized older adults is an understudied phenomenon that lacks a valid and reliable measure to capture its multi-dimensionality. Methods. An instrument development procedure, followed by an empirical study, was conducted from February to November 2009. Instrument development included item generation and content validity, which was established by five experts. The validation study utilized a retrospective between-patients design. The sample consisted of 279 patients, aged 70 and older, who were hospitalized in a large medical centre in northern Israel. The internal consistency reliability, construct, convergent and divergent validity of the measure were tested. Results. The 14-item scale describes various aspects of informal caregiving for older adults in the hospital setting. The scale has four dimensions: Instrumental care, Supervision of care, Psychological support and Ensuring and Explaining care. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical model of the four dimensions of care. Reliability analysis revealed acceptable-to-high estimates for the total and for the dimensional scores (ranging from 0·78 to 0·89). The convergent and divergent validity coefficients were all in the expected direction. Conclusions. The preliminary psychometric properties of the measure showed acceptable results. The measure should be further explored in different cultural settings and for its ability to link between caregiving attributes, as captured by the measure, and hospitalization outcomes in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

liu c.-c., chen y.-c., yeh y.-p. & hsieh y.-s. (2011) Effects of maternal confidence and competence on maternal parenting stress in newborn care. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 908-918. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a correlational study of the relations of maternal confidence and maternal competence to maternal parenting stress during newborn care. Background. Maternal role development is a cognitive and social process influenced by cultural and family contexts and mother and child characteristics. Most knowledge about maternal role development comes from western society. However, perceptions of the maternal role in contemporary Taiwanese society may be affected by contextual and environmental factors. Methods. A prospective correlational design was used to recruit 372 postpartum Taiwanese women and their infants from well-child clinics at 16 health centres in central Taiwan. Inclusion criteria for mothers were gestational age >37 weeks, ≥18 years old, and healthy, with infants <4 months old. Data were collected between August 2007 and January 2008 using a self-report questionnaire on mothers' and infants' demographic variables, maternal confidence, maternal competence and self-perceived maternal parenting stress. Results. After controlling for maternal parity and infant temperament, high maternal confidence and competence were associated with low maternal parenting stress. Maternal confidence influenced maternal parenting stress both directly and indirectly via maternal competence. Conclusion. To assist postpartum women in infant care programmes achieve positive outcomes, nurses should evaluate and bolster mothers' belief in their own abilities. Likewise, nurses should not only consider mothers' infant care skills, but also mothers' parity and infant temperament. Finally, it is crucial for nurses and researchers to recognize that infant care programmes should be tailored to mothers' specific maternal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

chang h.-y., teng c.-i., chu t.-l., chang h.-t. & hsu w.-h. (2012) Impact of nurse agreeableness and negative mood of nursing supervisors on intention to help colleagues. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 636-646. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a correlational study of the relations of nurse agreeableness and negative supervisor mood to nurses' intentions to help their colleagues. Background. Nursing collaboration is important to high quality care. Previous studies have identified agreeableness and negative mood of supervisors as influential factors in the workplace. In nursing, however, exactly how these factors and their interactions influence nurses' intention to help their colleagues remains unknown. Methods. A cross-sectional design and questionnaires were used to collect data in December 2007. Each sample set comprised of one supervisor and three nurses. A total of 53 sets of questionnaires were distributed, and 46 complete sets of responses were received, yielding a response ratio of 86·8%. Results. The analytical results indicate that nurse agreeableness is positively related to nurses' intentions to help colleagues (path coefficient = 0·54, P < 0·01). However, negative supervisor mood is negatively related to nurses' intentions to help colleagues (path coefficient = −0·13, P < 0·05). Moreover, the analytical results indicated that for highly agreeable nurses, the relationship between negative supervisor mood and nurses' intentions to help colleagues is significantly stronger than for less agreeable nurses. This demonstrates that nurse agreeableness amplifies the negative impact of negative supervisor mood on nurses' intentions to help colleagues. Conclusion. The study findings suggest the pivotal importance of managing negative supervisor mood to increase nurses' intentions to help colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

medin j., windahl j., von arbin m., tham k. & wredling r. (2012) Eating difficulties among patients 3 months after stroke in relation to the acute phase. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 580-589. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study comparing eating difficulties among patients 3 months after stroke in relation to the acute phase. Background. There is limited knowledge of patients with eating problems early after stroke, hence the progress of eating abilities needs to be further explored. Method. From March 2007 to June 2008 36 stroke patients with 2-7 eating difficulties or problems with reduced alertness or swallowing in the acute phase were included. Eating difficulties were detected using a structured protocol of observation of meals. In addition, stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), functional status (Barthel Index), unilateral neglect (Line Bisection test and Letter Cancellation test), psychological well-being (The Well-being Questionnaire-12), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and oral status (Revised Oral Assessment Guide) were assessed. Results. There were 36 participants (58% female) with a median age of 74·5 years. The proportion of eating difficulties decreased significantly from the acute phase to the 3-month follow-up in 'sitting position', 'managing food on the plate' and 'manipulating food in the mouth' and increased regarding inadequate food consumption. Improvements were shown at 3 months in stroke severity, functional status, nutritional status and neglect. Oral status and psychological well-being remained unchanged. Conclusion. The majority of eating problems persisted 3 months after stroke despite a marked improvement in most of the physical functions. The unchanged psychological well-being and sustained problems with food consumption indicate that factors other than physical function should be taken into account regarding eating difficulties poststroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

brewer c.s., kovner c.t., greene w., tukov-shuser m. & djukic m. (2012) Predictors of actual turnover in a national sample of newly licensed registered nurses employed in hospitals. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 521-538. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of factors that affect turnover of newly licensed registered nurses in United States hospitals. Background. There is a large body of research related to nursing retention; however, there is little information specific to newly licensed registered nurse turnover. Incidence rates of turnover among new nurses are unknown because most turnover data are not from nationally representative samples of nurses. Method. This study used a longitudinal panel design to obtain data from 1653 registered nurses who were recently licensed by examination for the first time. We mailed surveys to a nationally representative sample of hospital registered nurses 1 year apart. The analytic sample consisted of 1653 nurses who responded to both survey mailings in January of 2006 and 2007. Results. Full-time employment and more sprains and strains (including back injuries) result in more turnover. Higher intent to stay and hours of voluntary overtime and more than one job for pay reduces turnover. When we omitted intent to stay from the probit model, less job satisfaction and organizational commitment led to more turnover, confirming their importance to turnover. Magnet Recognition Award® hospitals and several other work attributes had no effect on turnover. Conclusion. Turnover problems are complex, which means that there is no one solution to decreasing turnover. Multiple points of intervention exist. One specific approach that may improve turnover rates is hospital policies that reduce strains and sprains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

zeng y.c., liu x. & loke a.y. (2012) Addressing sexuality issues of women with gynaecological cancer: Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 280-292. Abstract Aim. This paper reports a study conducted to describe Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice in addressing the sexuality concerns of people with gynaecological cancer. Background. Women with gynaecological cancer face numerous challenges to their sexuality. The importance of addressing sexuality concerns of people with cancer is emphasized by a growing body of literature in Western countries. Methods. This is a descriptive and correlational study. An inventory was adopted to explore Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice related to sexuality care in nursing. Data were collected from December 2009 to February 2010. Results. A sample of 202 nurses working in gynaecological units in China was recruited. Study results revealed that the majority (77·7%) held the attitude that 'sexuality is too private an issue to discuss with patients'. Only 34·2%'make time to discuss sexual concerns with patients'. Regression analysis revealed that nurse' marital status and hospital type in which they were working influenced their practice in sexuality care. Nurses' conservative attitudes towards sexuality, their prejudices about gynaecological cancer, the lack of availability of private environment, the lack of sexuality care training and the failure to include sexuality care in routine nursing care, were found to be factors that significantly influenced sexual care and nursing practice (adjusted R2 = 0·542, P < 0·001). Conclusions. The study findings contribute to the understanding of Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice in addressing the sexuality concerns of people with gynaecological cancer. There is a need to increase Chinese nurses' awareness of their roles and the importance of equipping themselves with relevant skills in sexuality care in nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

meyer k., bjørk i.t. & eide h. (2012) Intensive care nurses' perceptions of their professional competence in the organ donor process. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(1), 104-115. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a study that explored Norwegian intensive care nurses' perceptions of their professional competence to identify educational needs in the organ donor process. Background. Intensive care professionals are requested to consider organ donation each time they care for patients with severe cerebral lesion to ensure donor organs for transplantation. The donor process challenges intensive care nurses' professional competence. Nurses' knowledge and experience may influence their professional competence in caring for organ donors and their relatives. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in all 28 Norwegian donor hospitals between October 2008 and January 2009. Intensive care nurses ( N = 801) were invited to participate and the response rate was 71·4%. Dimensions of professional competence, learning needs and contextual and demographic variables were explored. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. Few intensive care nurses had extensive experience of or competence and training in organ donation. Nurses working at university hospitals had more experience, but lesser training than nurses in local hospitals. Experience of donor acquisition had an impact on intensive care nurses' perceptions of their professional competence in the donor process. Discussions on the ward and educational input were seen as important for the further development of professional competence. Conclusion. Training provided by experienced colleagues and a culture that encourages discussion about aspects of the donor process can develop nurses' professional competence and communally defined professional practice. Educational input that cultivates various types of knowledge can be beneficial in organ donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

salamonson y., bourgeois s., everett b., weaver r., peters k. & jackson d. (2011) Psychometric testing of the abbreviated Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI-19). Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(12), 2668-2676. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a test of the psychometric properties of a 19-item version of the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory. Background. Although the clinical learning environment provides the 'real-life' context essential for preparing nursing students for their professional role, the quality of student learning is influenced by the quality of the clinical placement. Methods. Nursing students completed an abbreviated (19-item) form of the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory to rate their perception of the clinical learning environment. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, discriminant validity and Cronbach's alpha reliabilities were computed. Results. Between March and December 2009, 231 online surveys were submitted. The mean age of participants was 30·3 years ( sd: 10·4) and 87% were female. All 19 items loaded on two factors, 'Clinical Facilitator Support of Learning' and 'Satisfaction with Clinical Placement', with factor loadings above the 0·4 threshold. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0·93 for the total Clinical Learning Environment Inventory-19, with subscales ranging from 0·92 to 0·94. Multiple regression uncovered that participants who engaged in health-related paid work were independently and significantly more positive on the 'Clinical Facilitator Support of Learning' subscale, whereas those who worked >16 hours a week, or allocated the afternoon shift were independently and significantly more negative on the 'Satisfaction with Clinical Placement' subscale. Conclusion. Providing an effective and productive clinical experience is vital in preparing nursing students to become competent clinicians. The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory-19 offers a useful measure to explore nursing students' satisfaction with two aspects of this clinical experience - clinical facilitator support of learning and the clinical learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

wang j.-j. (2011) A structural model of the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual factors influencing the development towards gerotranscendence in a sample of institutionalized elders. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(12), 2628-2636. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a study to determine the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual factors influencing the development towards gerotranscendence in institutionalized older people. Physical ability, depressive symptoms, social network support, meaning of life and life satisfaction were examined through a Structured Equation Modelling approach. Background. Older people's pursuit of gerotranscendence is believed to facilitate successful ageing and late-life growth. Although a few Scandinavian studies have identified the relationship between psychosocial factors and the development of gerotranscendence, there is little trans-cultural study of the model, which limits the ability of the gerotranscendence theory to be applied worldwide. Methods. Cognitively intact older residents ( N = 195) from six long-term care facilities in southern Taiwan participated in a structured interview using the Gerotranscendence scale, Barthel's Index, the Geriatric Depression Scale short form, the Inventory of Socially supportive Behaviour, the Life Meaning scale, and the Life Satisfaction scale. Data were collected over a 6-month period in 2008. Results. The model-fit indexes of the final model (χ2 = 32·08, d.f. = 14, P = 0·004; CMIN/d.f. = 2·29; GFI = 0·97, AGFI = 0·89, TLI = 0·94, NFI = 0·96) exceeded acceptable levels except for χ2. In the final model, social support, life satisfaction and meaning of life had direct effects on gerotranscendence (standardized regression weight 0·54, 0·43, and 0·76). Conclusion. The gerotranscendence model of healthy ageing is congruent in the Taiwanese population. Findings of this study can guide nursing and other health professionals in planning implementation of best practice in older people's care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

salanova m., lorente l., chambel m.j. & martínez i.m. (2011) Linking transformational leadership to nurses' extra-role performance: the mediating role of self-efficacy and work engagement. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(9), 2256-2266. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a social cognitive theory-guided study about the link between supervisors' transformational leadership and staff nurses' extra-role performance as mediated by nurse self-efficacy and work engagement. Background. Past research has acknowledged the positive influence that transformational leaders have on employee (extra-role) performance. However, less is known about the psychological mechanisms that may explain the links between transformational leaders and extra-role performance, which encompasses behaviours that are not considered formal job requirements, but which facilitate the smooth functioning of the organization as a social system. Methods. Seventeen supervisors evaluated nurses' extra-role performance, the data generating a sample consisting of 280 dyads. The nurses worked in different health services in a large Portuguese hospital and the participation rate was 76·9% for nurses and 100% for supervisors. Data were collected during 2009. A theory-driven model of the relationships between transformation leadership, self-efficacy, work engagement and nurses' extra-role performance was tested using Structural Equation Modelling. Results. Data analysis revealed a full mediation model in which transformational leadership explained extra-role performance through self-efficacy and work engagement. A direct relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement was also found. Conclusion. Nurses' supervisors with a transformational leadership style enhance different 'extra-role' performance in nurses and this increases hospital efficacy. They do so by establishing a sense of self-efficacy but also by amplifying their levels of engagement in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

suhonen r., papastavrou e., efstathiou g., lemonidou c., kalafati m., da luz m.d.a., idvall e., berg a., acaroglu r., sendir m., kanan n., sousa v.d., katajisto j., välimäki m. & leino-kilpi h. (2011) Nurses' perceptions of individualized care: an international comparison. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(9), 1895-1907. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of internationally-based differences in nurses' perceptions of individualized care in orthopaedic surgical in-patient wards. Background. Individualized care is valued in healthcare policy, practice and ethical statements as an indicator of care quality. However, nurses' assessments of individualized care are limited and comparative cross-cultural studies on individualized nursing care are lacking. Methods. A descriptive comparative survey was used to sample orthopaedic surgical nurses ( n = 1163) working in 91 inpatient wards in 34 acute hospitals in Finland, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America. Data were collected between March and November 2009 using the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Nurses in different countries perceived that they supported patients' individuality generally and provided individualized care during nursing activities. Although the highest scores were in support of patients' individuality in the clinical situation both through nursing provision and nurses' perceptions of individuality, there were between-country differences within these scores. Generally, the Greek and American nurses gave the highest scores and the Turkish, Cypriot and Portuguese nurses the lowest. Conclusions. Between-country differences found may be attributed to differing roles of nurses, care processes, healthcare systems and/or the ways nursing care is defined and organized. As this was the first time the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse was used in an international context, the results are formative and indicate the need to continue studies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a descriptive study of nurses' and midwives' clinical leadership development needs. Background. Nurses and midwives are expected to fulfil a leadership role at all levels, yet efforts to strategically support them are often unfocused. An analysis of clinical leadership development needs can provide the foundation for leadership initiatives to support staff. Method. A mixed methods design was used. A questionnaire was sent to 911 nurses and midwives and 22 focus groups comprising 184 participants were conducted. Data were collected between March and June 2009 across all promotional grades of nurses and midwives in Ireland. Repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser adjustment was used for post hoc pair wise comparisons of the subscale dimensions of clinical leadership. ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc method was used for comparison between grades on each individual subscale. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the focus group data. Results. Results reveal that needs related to development of the profession were the highest for all grades. The staff grade expressed a higher need in relation to 'managing clinical area', 'managing the patient care' and 'skills for clinical leadership' than managers. Qualitative analysis yielded five themes; (1) clinical leadership and leaders from a nursing and midwifery perspective; (2) quality service from a nursing and midwifery perspective; (3) clinical leaders' roles and functions; (4) capital and (5) competences for clinical leaders and leadership and the context of clinical leadership. Conclusion. Clinical leadership concerns quality, safety and effectiveness. Nurses and midwives are ideally placed to offer the clinical leadership that is required to ensure these patient care outcomes. Development initiatives must address the leader and leadership competencies to support staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. This paper is a report of a study of psychometric properties of the Problem-Focused Style of Coping-Chinese version questionnaire. Background. Coping with stress is an important topic in the 21th century, which deserves further attention. Although a variety of instruments have emerged to assess an individual's coping responses to stress, research suggests that numerous problems are associated with the current measurements. Since most coping scales are criticized as lacking valid estimates across occupational samples and cultures, there is an immediate need to develop a reliable and valid coping-style scale. Method. The study used a convenience sample and a sampling frame consisting of 307 nurses from different medical units in two regional hospitals in Taiwan. The data collection period was from May 2009 to June 2009. Exploratory factor analyses and reliability estimates were calculated. Results. The factor analysis revealed three coping factors: reflective, suppressive and reactive. All reliability and validity estimates were satisfactory. Conclusion. The Problem-Focused Style of Coping-Chinese version questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of nurses' dispositional coping style and can be used for educational training programmes to enhance nurses' stress management skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Clinical Nursing Faculty Competence Inventory. Background. Clinical faculty plays a vital role in nursing education. Highly competent clinical faculty is a prerequisite for graduating competent future nurses. Many studies have examined the effectiveness of clinical nursing teaching. Yet, translating this body of knowledge into accurate and comprehensive assessment tools for measuring the competence of nursing faculty remains a challenge. Method. Thirty-one indicators of core competence of clinical nursing faculty were identified thorough literature review, expert consultation and a small sample pilot test. A total of 237 nursing faculty members, students and administrators from six advanced medical colleges in China were surveyed during 2007-2008. Using a five-point Likert-type scale, the respondents identified their level of agreement with statements addressing the components of clinical nursing faculty competence. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the inventory. Results. Students and faculty members valued aspects of clinical nursing faculty competence differently. Exploratory factor analysis using varimax rotation determined construct validity of the inventory and 26 items were retained. Five important categories of clinical nursing faculty competence were revealed: leadership ability, problem solving ability, educational intelligence, general teaching ability and clinical nursing skills. The Cronbach's alpha level of the inventory was 0.91, with each domain ranging from 0.61 to 0.85. Conclusion. The inventory has good psychometric properties and can be used in training and evaluation of clinical nursing faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study measuring attitudes of primary care nurses towards caring for people with hepatitis C. Background. Hepatitis C is a major public health problem. Attitudes to caring for people with hepatitis C vary and can have an impact on nursing care practices. International literature has identified discriminating practices amongst healthcare professionals including nurses. There is limited research examining primary care nurses' attitudes to caring for people with hepatitis C. Methods. A cross-sectional postal census survey of 981 nurses working in one health board region in the Republic of Ireland was conducted during the period March 2006 to June 2006. Results. A response rate of 57.1% (n = 560) was achieved. Exploratory factor analysis of an attitude scale identified three latent variables: 'infection control behaviour', 'caring' and 'fear'. Attitudes were generally positive towards caring for persons with hepatitis C; however, 51.7% of respondents would use additional infection control precautions if caring for someone with known hepatitis C. Younger nurses and those educated to degree level and above held significantly more positive attitudes to caring. Nurses agreed that they have a central role in managing and treating people with hepatitis C; however, many agreed that they lack the knowledge and skills to care for persons with hepatitis C. Conclusions. Negative attitudes can result in discriminatory experiences for persons with hepatitis C or at risk. Nurses require ongoing education on hepatitis C to improve knowledge, to limit concerns and ensure adherence to infection control guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the relations of coaching and developing clinical practice on nurses' work place attitudes and self-reported performance, as mediated by role breadth self-efficacy and flexible role orientation. Background. Previous research into the effectiveness of nurses' learning and development activities has mainly focused on specific skill and knowledge acquisition outcomes. Few studies investigate the relationship between learning and development activities and work attitudes or performance, or explore mediating mechanisms in this process. Previous literature suggests that malleable cognitive and motivational constructs may be important mechanisms for improving work attitudes and proactive performance. Method. We surveyed 404 qualified nurses from a large, metropolitan public hospital in Australia in 2006 using validated measures from previous research. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Results. The results show a clear association between learning and development activities and work attitudes and performance. Developing clinical practice improved self-rated performance and coaching improved work attitudes. In addition, role breadth self-efficacy and flexible role orientation mediated these relationships and emerge as important mechanisms in the link between learning and development and work attitudes and performance. Conclusion. Investment in learning and development activities for nurses improves outcomes for nurses, the organization and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]