Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
The development and pilot testing of an instrument to measure nurses' working environment: the Nursing Context Index
Paul Slater1, Brendan McCormack, Brendan Bunting
1Royal Hospitals Trusts/Institute of Nursing Research, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland. pf.slater@ulster.ac.uk
Background:
Evidence shows that adopting a person-centered approach to nursing alters the work environment, reduces anxiety levels among nurses in the long term, promotes teamwork among staff, and increases job satisfaction. However, few studies have attempted to quantify the outcomes from the adoption of person-centered nursing. The lack of outcome measurement is in part influenced by the lack of a standardized instrument to measure person-centered nursing.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to develop an instrument (the Nursing Context Index) to inform the development of person-centered nursing and outcomes arising.
Methods:
The Nursing Context Index (NCI) was developed through three stages. Stage 1 involved a systematic literature review to identify the key characteristics that needed to be considered in the instrument. Stage 2 involved the identification and selection of items for inclusion in the instrument identified through focus group discussions. A 19-construct instrument was developed. Face validity and content validity were gauged. In Stage 3, a pilot study (n = 23) was conducted to test the instrument. Measures of internal consistency were ensured using Cronbach's alpha. Criterion-related validity of the instrument was ensured through comparison between factors contained in the instrument.
Results:
Findings show that the NCI is an accurate representation of the factors influenced by a clinical setting's progression to person-centered nursing. The factors were deemed appropriate to the clinical settings, and possessed face and content validity. Initial statistical findings confirm the validity and usability of the NCI.
Implications And Conclusions:
The process used for the development and testing of the instrument was found to be effective. The NCI was deemed to be an effective measure of factors influenced by the implementation of person-centered nursing and would help in redressing a scarcity of quantitative evidence to examine the benefits of nurses working in a person-centered manner.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Nursing Clinical Information System
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
01:23International Nursing Organizations I
ICN member organizations work to advance the field of nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, lobbying, professional...
01:29Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
01:15Nursing Evaluation
Section...
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
01:19Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.