From Clinical Learning Environment Comparison Survey (CLECS) 2.0 to 3.0: Evaluating Reliability Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Simulation-based Learning
• Clinical Learning Environments

Background:

• The Clinical Learning Environment Comparison Survey (CLECS) 2.0 was developed to assess nursing students' learning needs across various clinical settings.
• Previous data limitations prevented a thorough analysis of the revised CLECS 2.0's reliability properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability characteristics of the CLECS 2.0 tool.
• Utilized secondary data from 591 prelicensure nursing students in the United States who completed the CLECS 2.0.

Main Methods:

• Assessed the internal consistency of the CLECS 2.0 subscales and the overall scale.
• Employed secondary data analysis to evaluate the tool's reliability.

Main Results:

• The initial 6-subscale model of CLECS 2.0 did not demonstrate adequate fit across all three simulated clinical environments.
• Modifications were made, resulting in two new subscales while preserving all original items, improving the tool's applicability.

Conclusions:

• The revised CLECS 2.0 provides a reliable tool for comparing learning needs across diverse clinical learning environments.
• This tool can guide simulation and clinical teams in enhancing educational experiences for nursing students.