Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses: Preliminary Psychometric Properties.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinician research competencies influence research use for evidence-based practice (EBP). We aimed to develop, refine, and psychometrically assess the Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses (RCAIN) to measure registered nurse research competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, attitudes) focused on EBP-related domains: research process, knowledge synthesis, and knowledge translation activities.

METHODS: The preliminary psychometrics (face, content, construct/criterion validity) were evaluated based on 63 completed surveys.

RESULTS: The Cronbach's α coefficients were .871, .813, and .946 for each domain, respectively; interitem correlations ranged from .472 to .833 (explained variance: 68.5%). Three components/factors revealed: comprehension of and skills required in research process and application of knowledge and skills. The revised RCAIN consists of 19 five-point Likert-type questions.

CONCLUSIONS: The RCAIN assesses modifiable characteristics and explains variance in practice, health system, and patient outcomes. Further assessments are underway.