Psychometric Evaluation of the Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing Scale for Disaster Rescue Nurses in Mainland China

Abstract

Background: Disaster rescue nurses (DRNs) play an essential role in disaster medical rescue. To ensure an effective response, it is imperative to assess the core competencies of DRNs. In 2019, the International Council of Nurses (ICNs) published the Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing Version 2.0 (CCDN V2.0), which outlines 33 competencies for DRNs. However, these competencies currently lack psychometric evaluation in China, which limits the direct assessment of DRNs' core competencies in disaster nursing and the effectiveness of disaster nursing education. Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing Scale for Disaster Rescue Nurses (CCDNS-DRNs). Design: A methodological and cross-sectional design was used to develop and validate this scale. Methods: The researchers developed an initial scale using cross-cultural translation. Expert consultation was utilized to validate the content validity. A total of 401 nurses were surveyed by purposive sampling. They completed a general information questionnaire along with the CCDNS-DRN. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, Mplus 8.3, and R 4.5.0 and included general statistical analysis, classical test theory (CTT), and item response theory (IRT) analyses. Results: A 33-item eight-factor CCDNS-DRN was developed with satisfactory validity and reliability, with a content validity index of 0.980 for the total scale and a content validity index of 0.780-1.00 for each item. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that x ² /df: 2.940, CFI: 0.933, TLI: 0.923, RMSEA: 0.069, and SRMR: 0.036. The Cronbach's alpha, split-half validity, and internal correlation coefficient (ICC) of the scale were 0.978, 0.918, and 0.898, respectively. The results of the IRT revealed that the discrimination indices of all items ranged from 2.037 to 4.970, the difficulty parameters of all items ranged from -2.837 to 1.396, and the average information values for the items ranged from 0.961 to 3.424. Conclusions: The CCDNS-DRN exhibits good psychometric properties, providing a scientifically sound and effective instrument to evaluate the core competencies in disaster nursing among DRNs in China.

Keywords: core competencies; disaster nursing; disaster rescue nurse; psychometric test; reliability validity.

Figure 1

The development process of the CCDNS-DRN.

Figure 2

The CFA results of the 8-factor model of CCDNS-DRN.