Assessment of the nurse-patient interaction competence in undergraduate nursing students

Abstract

Background: Nursing curricula must ensure the acquisition of nurse-patient interaction competence. This competence is assessed by several internationally validated tools, such as the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions scale, based on Jean Watson's model.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of nurse-patient interaction composites in nursing students, based on the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions scale.

Method: The original scale was translated into Spanish. A panel of experts then made readability- and culture-related adjustments. Construct validity and reliability were analysed. Content validity analysis was conducted by Jean Watson.

Findings: A structural model of 5 composites with a good fit, based on Jean Watson's model, was obtained using partial least squares regression analysis.

Discussion: The empirical evidence of the reliability and validity of the new scale makes it suitable for use as a tool for the evaluation of the caring nurse-patient interaction competence in undergraduate nursing students.

Keywords: Nurse-patient relationship; Partial least squares; Professional competence.