Adaptation and modification of the professional identity formation scale for postgraduate trainees in basic health science: a mixed method study.

Abstract

Background: The professional identity formation (PIF) of postgraduate trainees in basic health sciences is critical to their educational journey. Yet, appropriate measurement tools are lacking. This research aimed to adapt and modify an existing PIF scale to assess the professional identities of postgraduate basic health sciences trainees.

Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted to validate a modified PIF scale. An instrument was developed following AMEE Guide 87 (A. R. Artino et al.) (1). Seven medical educationalists and basic health science postgraduate supervisors established its content validity and reliability. Cognitive interviews were conducted with 15 participants, and the tool was validated through the Delphi technique. Piloting was undertaken on a simple random sample of 500 postgraduate trainees. Psychometric analyses, including structure factor analysis, internal consistency testing, and qualitative content analysis, were used to evaluate the modified scale.

Results: Five factors related to professional identity formation were identified: "Commitment to Professional Identity, belonging and Values," "Pursuit of Knowledge and Excellence," "Professional Growth and Collaboration," Personal Growth and Reflection," and "Confidence and impact." The modified PIF scale demonstrated robust psychometric properties, including a well-defined factor structure, significant reliability, and high internal consistency. With a Cronbach alpha 0.97, the PIF scale's five kept variables accounted for 99.99% of the variance.

Conclusions: The study found the modified PIF scale to be a reliable tool for assessing the professional identities of postgraduate trainees in basic health sciences. It developed a 50-item tool with five valid factors to evaluate professional identity for postgraduate trainees.