A longitudinal study into the perceptions of caring among student nurses using multivariate analysis of the Caring...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Psychometric Measurement

Background:

• The Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI) was previously developed to measure perceptions of caring.
• Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding developmental changes in healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the development of student nurses' perceptions of caring using the CDI.
• To determine if the CDI can detect changes in caring perceptions throughout nurse training.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study tracked 168 student nurses over three years.
• Data collected annually using the Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI).
• Exploratory factor analysis was employed to analyze CDI responses.

Main Results:

• A stable four-factor structure for caring perceptions was supported throughout the study.
• Evidence for a five-factor structure, including accountability, emerged at 24 months.
• A professional and technical factor showed significant correlation with student nurse age.

Conclusions:

• The CDI is capable of detecting changes in student nurses' perceptions of caring over time.
• Findings inform nursing education by highlighting the evolving nature of caring.
• Attrition in longitudinal studies presents a challenge that needs consideration.