Development and validation of a tool for measuring the work-related quality of life of physical therapists

Abstract

ABSTRACT Physical therapists (PTs) face several challenges in their workplace that impact their well-being, but there is no standard tool to measure their quality of life. This study brings out a new PTQoWL scale to address this issue. Study Design: Scale development and psychometric assessment of the PTQoWL scale. PTs employed in healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia (N=373) were randomly selected. They administered a PTQoWL tool consisting of 20 items with five subscales measuring their perceptions about the work environment, psychosocial factors, training and development opportunities, compensation and rewards, and job satisfaction and safety at work. Reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha reliability, and construct and convergent validity were determined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The PTQoWL tool has a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.902 with consistently positive and significant inter-factor correlations. Each item had a significant positive relationship with its respective PTQoWL factor, as the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed. The observed model fit indices indicate that the proposed five-factor PTQoWL tool is wellsuited for assessing the QoWL of PTs. This new PTQoWL tool would help HCOs uncover PTs' hidden perceptions about their QoWL and develop appropriate strategies to improve their health and well-being in the workplace