Development and Validation of the MIND Scale to Assess Growth Mindset in Pharmacy Experiential Education

Develop and conduct psychometric validation of an instrument to assess mindset among student pharmacists in experiential education (EE).

A novel Mindset Indicator Scale (MIND Scale) was developed and validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA). The MIND Scale was derived from Dweck's growth mindset theory and adapted to pharmacy EE with input from student pharmacists via focus groups in February 2023. Rapid qualitative analysis (RQA) was used to identify themes for inclusion. The scale was piloted in March 2023 with a 10% convenience sample of second-year students and refined as needed. The MIND Scale was administered to students completing MTM-focused IPPE or APPE rotations across three U.S. colleges of pharmacy. Data was analyzed using Chi-squared tests, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

RQA of focus group data yielded a 61-item instrument. Forty-six students completed the initial MIND Scale pilot in March 2023. EFA resulted in seven factors, and 13 questions were eliminated before dissemination of the revised instrument. One hundred seventy students completed the final MIND Scale between April and November 2023. According to CFA, the instrument demonstrated high validity and reliability, with all items loading to one of seven factors.

The MIND Scale is a novel and validated instrument that may serve as a valuable tool for identifying and cultivating a growth mindset, which has been shown to predict academic success by fostering motivated, resilient, and engaged learners. Future research will explore adaptation of the instrument among other populations, including didactic, residency, interprofessional, continuing education, and other health professions education and practice.