Validity of the visual analogue scale as an instrument to measure self-efficacy in resuscitation skills

• Published in: Medical education 2008-05, Vol.42 (5), p.503-511
• Main Authors: Turner, Nigel M, Van De Leemput, Anita J, Draaisma, Jos M T, Oosterveld, Paul, Ten Cate, Olle Th J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesiology - education; Anesthesiology - standards; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical Competence - standards; continuing/methods; dental; education; education, dental, graduate/methods; Education, Medical, Continuing - methods; General aspects; graduate/methods; Health participants; medical; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Netherlands; paediatrics/education; Pediatric Nursing - education; Pediatric Nursing - standards; Pediatrics - education; Pediatrics - standards; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; questionnaires; Resuscitation - standards; resuscitation/standards/education; Self Efficacy; Surveys and Questionnaires - standards; validation studies [publication type]
• ISSN: 0308-0110; 1365-2923
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2007.02950.x

Context  Self‐efficacy is an important factor in many areas of medical education, including self‐assessment and self‐directed learning, but has been little studied in resuscitation training, possibly because of the lack of a simple measurement instrument. Objective  We aimed to assess the validity of a visual analogue scale (VAS) linked to a single question as an instrument to measure self‐efficacy with respect to resuscitation skills by comparing the VAS with a questionnaire and using known‐groups comparisons. Methods  We developed questionnaires to measure self‐efficacy for a number of resuscitation tasks and for computer skills. These were compared with VASs linked to a single question per task, using a multi‐trait, multi‐method matrix. We also used known‐groups comparisons of self‐efficacy in specific professional groups. Results  There was good correlation between the questionnaires and the VASs for self‐efficacy for specific resuscitation tasks. There was a less clear correlation for self‐efficacy for paediatric resuscitation overall. There was no correlation between self‐efficacy for resuscitation and computer tasks. In specific professional groups, measured self‐efficacy accorded with theoretical predictions. Conclusions  A VAS linked to a single question appears to be a valid method of measuring self‐efficacy with respect to specific well defined resuscitation tasks, but should be used with caution for multi‐faceted tasks.