Re‐assessing the validity of the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ): Two new scales for moral deliberation and paternalism

Rationale, aims, and objectives The current study and previous research have called the six‐component model of Lutzen's 30‐item Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) into question. For this reason, we re‐examined the construct validity of this instrument. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, which was based on a convenience sample of Dutch nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), we tested the validity of MSQ items using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA, respectively). Results The EFA revealed a two‐component model, which was then tested as a target model with CFA and was found to have good model fit. Some items were correlated with two uncorrelated latent constructs, which we labelled as “paternalistic” and “deliberate” attitudes towards patients. Conclusions As in previous studies, the analyses in the current study, which was conducted among PAs and NPs, did not reveal six dimensions for the 30 items. Two new latent dimensions of moral sensitivity were psychometrically tested and confirmed. These two components relate to studies investigating ethical behaviour, and they can be used to describe the moral climate in healthcare organizations. The scales are indicators of the extent to which health professionals behave in a deliberate (sensitive) or paternalistic (insensitive) manner towards the opinions of patients within the context of medical decision‐making.