Psychometric testing of the facilitative student–patient relationship scale within six EUROPEAN countries

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to test the psychometric properties of the Facilitative Student-Patient Relationship (FSPR) Scale in clinical practicum in hospital settings within six European countries.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A multi-country, cross-sectional survey design was applied.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convenience sample of graduating nursing students (N = 1,796) completed the FSPR Scale. Psychometric testing was carried out through explorative factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both validity and reliability of the scale were confirmed. The explorative factor analysis yielded a two-factor construct explaining 47.7% of the total variance, identifying two sub-scales: caring relationship and learning relationship. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure. The Cronbach alpha coefficients (0.8-0.9) indicated acceptable reliability of the scale.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>clinical; education; nursing; psychometric; student-patient relationship; students; surveys.</p>