Nursing Competency Scale for Patients With Comorbid Cancer and Dementia in Acute Care Hospitals (NCS-CD): Development...

This study aimed to develop a Nursing Competency Scale for Patients with Comorbid Cancer and Dementia in Acute Care Hospitals (NCS-CD) and examine its reliability and validity.

The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, a preliminary scale was developed based on interviews with Japanese specialists in cancer and dementia nursing and a comprehensive literature review. The draft was refined through a questionnaire survey of 10 specialists and a consensus meeting with five experts. In Phase 2, the reliability and validity of the scale were evaluated using data from 305 nurses working in acute care hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess construct validity. Criterion-related validity was examined using the Self-Assessment Scale of Nursing Practice for Elderly People with Cognitive Impairment (SSNP). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed.

The NCS-CD comprised 23 items across five factors. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 1.953, goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = 0.894, adjusted goodness-of-fit index [AGFI] = 0.867, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.919, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.908, and root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.056). The scale exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.902) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.746). Significant positive correlations were observed between the NCS-CD and SSNP (r = 0.714, p < 0.001), supporting criterion-related validity.

The NCS-CD demonstrated preliminary reliability and validity for assessing nursing competencies in caring for patients with comorbid cancer and dementia in acute care hospitals. This scale can contribute to the improvement of nursing practice and educational programs for patients.