Evaluation of the Korean version of the self-assessment of nursing informatics competencies scale

Abstract

Background In order to assess nursing students' informatics competency, we need a comprehensive Korean version scale that reflects the important advances in nursing informatics and can make up for the lack of an existing measure. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale (SANICS) into Korean (K-SANICS) and verify its validity and reliability with nursing students. Methods The design of this study was a methodological approach to translate and evaluate the Korean version tool (K-SANICS). A total of 254 nursing students at four universities in Korea completed a structured questionnaire including background characteristics and the K-SANICS. Reliability and validity of the 30-item K-SANICS were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, content validity, factor analysis, and contrasted groups approach. Results Cronbach's alpha was .95. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to verify the scale's construct validity, identifying 30 items across six categories: advanced skills for clinical informatics, basic application skills, basic computer skills, roles in nursing informatics, skills for clinical applications, and attitude toward computers in nursing. Conclusion The K-SANICS may be used as a reliable assessment tool of nursing students' nursing informatics competencies. It is expected that the K-SANICS will contribute to establishing, operating, and evaluating nursing informatics curricula and also can be used in a clinical setting.