Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Korean Version of the Digital Professionalism Self-Assessment...

Social media has become a crucial tool for interpersonal communication among nurses worldwide, including in South Korea. While offering various opportunities, such as education and networking, it also entails risks regarding professional ethics and boundaries. However, research measuring digital professionalism in the Korean context is inadequate. Thus, a customised, nurse-specific instrument is required to support effective evaluation, educational initiatives and policy formulation.

This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the Korean version of the Digital Professionalism Self-Assessment Instrument (K-DP-SAI) for nurses.

This study followed established guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation, including forward and backward translation, synthesis, expert panel review and pilot testing. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with 308 nurses each, and known-group validity was also performed. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega and test-retest reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients.

The K-DP-SAI comprises 14 items across three factors, including 'upholding public trust through professional accountability', 'personal information protection' and 'maintenance of professional boundaries'. The scale demonstrated satisfactory content, convergent and discriminant validity with acceptable model fit indices (x²/df = 2.603, GFI = 0.916, TLI = 0.918, CFI = 0.933, RMSEA = 0.072 and SRMR = 0.054) and also demonstrated sensitivity in discriminating between groups based on their perceived need for related education (t = 2.135, p < 0.05). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88 and McDonald's omega = 0.88) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.68) met the established criteria.

The K-DP-SAI is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing nurses' digital professionalism in South Korea. As an organisational safeguard, it enables managers to identify vulnerable groups and implement targeted, evidence-based education beyond simple restriction. Ultimately, K-DP-SAI supports the nurses' professional integrity in digital spaces by shifting management toward practical guidance.