Psychometric assessment of the Competence in Research Utilisation instrument in a sample of graduating nursing students in three European countries
Background: Evidence-based practice is an internationally accepted healthcare standard grounded in research utilisation. Validated instruments allow evaluation of nursing education against European Union competence requirements. Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of the Competence in Research Utilisation (CompRU) instrument among graduating nursing students using data from three European countries. Methods: Data were collected from graduating nursing students (n = 648) in Finland, Poland and Slovenia between 2012 and 2017. The CompRU instrument comprises a knowledge test and self-reported scales assessing skills and attitudes. Psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha, item-to-total correlation, Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Internal consistency reliability was acceptable in all sections, despite two categories in the Knowledge section showing lower consistency. Rasch analysis supported the internal scale validity of the Knowledge section in terms of item infit and item separation. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure (Skills and Attitudes sections) and strength of the hypothetical model. Conclusion: The CompRU instrument is a promising tool for measuring nursing students’ research utilisation competence at graduation. Based on both classical and modern test theory approaches, the instrument demonstrates evidence of acceptable psychometric properties, although some items in the Knowledge section could benefit from future revisions.