Development of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Skills Self-Efficacy Inventory to Assess Rural Healthcare Providers

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rural healthcare provider's willingness to implement pediatric resuscitation may be impeded by comfort level. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Skill Self-Efficacy Inventory (PALS-SSEI). METHODS: A 19-item inventory was created based on PALS skills. The PALS-SSEI was completed by 94 participants in a study to test the effects of simulation training on PALS knowledge and skill. RESULTS: Six clinical content experts rated the content validity of the PALS-SSEI as high. Item and factor analysis supported the tool's construct validity. A Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.88 supported the internal consistency of the tool. CONCLUSIONS: The PALS-SSEI demonstrated good initial psychometric properties. The tool can be used to assess self-efficacy for PALS skills among healthcare providers.