Psychometric properties of the clinical learning environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale (CLES+T) for undergraduate nursing students in Hong Kong

Abstract

The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale is useful for understanding students' perceptions towards clinical placement and for measuring the quality of clinical education. Validated versions of the scale are only available for Western countries. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher evaluation scale for undergraduate nursing students in Hong Kong. Six experts including clinical mentors, clinical teachers, advanced practice nurse and nursing students participated in phase 1. Fifteen nursing students participated in phase 2 and 178 nursing students participated in phase 3 of this study during January 2017 to June 2017. The Scale-Content Validity Index was 0.93 and the Item-Content Validity indexes ranged from 0.83 to 1. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a 6-factor solution (i.e. “supervisory relationship”, “role of nurse teacher”, “leadership style of ward manager”, “premises of nursing on the ward appreciated”, “interaction with staff” and “learning atmosphere”). The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and test-retest reliability over a 2-week interval was satisfactory (Pearson's coefficient = 0.85). The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher evaluation scale showed acceptable psychometric properties for use as an evaluation scale in Hong Kong.