Psychometric properties of the self-assessment of nursing informatics competencies scale

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2009:146:546-50.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and responsiveness of the Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale (SANICS). Combined BS/MS nursing students (N=336) completed the 93-item scale, which was based upon published and locally-developed nursing informatics competency statements. Exploratory principal component analysis with oblique promax rotation extracted five factors comprising 30 items that explained 63.7% of the variance: clinical informatics role (alpha=.91), basic computer knowledge and skills (alpha=.94), applied computer skills: clinical informatics (alpha=.89), nursing informatics attitudes (alpha=.94), and wireless device skills (alpha=.90). Scale responsiveness was supported by significantly higher factor scores following an informatics course. This study provided preliminary evidence for the factor structure, internal consistency reliability and responsiveness of the 30-item SANICS. Further testing other samples is recommended.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / standards*
  • Male
  • Nursing Informatics*
  • Professional Competence / standards*
  • Psychometrics*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult