ASSESSMENT OF THE NURSE-PATIENT INTERACTION COMPETENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract Background Nursing curricula must ensure the acquisition of nurse-patient interaction competence. This competence is assessed by several internationally validated tools, such as the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions scale, based on Jean Watson’s model. Purpose The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of nurse-patient interaction composites in nursing students, based on the Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions scale. Method The original scale was translated into Spanish. A panel of experts then made readability- and culture-related adjustments. Construct validity and reliability were analysed. Content validity analysis was conducted by Jean Watson. Findings A structural model of 5 composites with a good fit, based on Jean Watson’s model, was obtained using partial least squares regression analysis. Discussion The empirical evidence of the reliability and validity of the new scale makes it suitable for use as a tool for the evaluation of the caring nurse-patient interaction competence in undergraduate nursing students.