Assessing palliative care self-efficacy among long-term care nurses: validation of a modified scale

The self-efficacy of healthcare professionals is critical to the effective delivery of palliative services. In the context of palliative care, self-efficacy refers to a healthcare provider's confidence in their ability to competently assess patient needs, communicate effectively and provide appropriate palliative interventions and support.

This study examined the effectiveness of the Modified Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale as a reliable and valid instrument for measuring self-efficacy among long-term care staff, with the broader goal of supporting improvements in palliative care practice.

A cross-sectional research design was used. Data were collected from nurses working in long-term care settings using the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale, and analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software. Reliability and item homogeneity were assessed through Cronbach's alpha coefficients, while the validity of the scale was examined using exploratory factor analysis.

Cronbach's alpha values for the overall scale and its subscales ranged from .88 to .97, demonstrating strong internal consistency. Corrected item-total correlation coefficients ranged from .61 to .90 across all items, indicating good item homogeneity. Exploratory factor analysis, supported by parallel analysis, identified a three-factor structure consisting of communication, patient management and multidisciplinary teamwork. Factor loadings exceeded .60, and the model demonstrated acceptable fit.

The findings support the reliability and validity of the Modified Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale for use among nurses in long-term care settings. The instrument appears to be a valuable measure for assessing nurses' confidence in delivering palliative care and for evaluating interventions designed to strengthen palliative care competencies.

The redeveloped Modified Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale for long-term care settings may serve as a practical tool for enhancing palliative care delivery and improving the quality of life of residents receiving care.