Validation of a Scale on Structure Indicators in the Operating Room: Contributions to Nursing

Abstract

Objective: Measuring instruments play, namely, an important role in the safety and quality of care. The aim of this study consists in validating a scale conceived to evaluate the structure of the operating room (OR). Materials and Methods: Validation and psychometric evaluation were carried out of the instrument. The sample was comprised of 1019 professionals working in the OR for at least two years in 71 Portuguese hospitals; the research was conducted in 2017. Results: The results obtained in the reliability and validity tests reveal good internal consistency. The 28 items of the scale, and after the principal components analysis, were grouped into seven dimensions: “Environment and equipment”, “Resources for quality and safety”, “Circuits in the operating room”, “Facilities and operating requirements”, “Training and praxis in the operating room”, “Continuity in nursing care”, and “Specificities of professional groups”. Conclusion: The psy-chometric study allows us to state that the scale of structure indicators in the operating room (SIOR) is a reliable and valid instrument. Its use will permit evaluating and monitoring the structural conditions of the ORs