Development of Professional Competence and Competency Scale in Midwifery: A Methodological Study from Turkey.

Abstract

Background: The main scope of competence in midwifery is the skills and practices relevant to the profession. Competencies are used to set unique standards within disciplines and specializations, including educators, learners, and practitioners.

Aim: This study was aimed at developing the Professional Competence and Competency Scale in Midwifery.

Methods: This was a methodological and validation study. The scale consists of 26 items. The created items were administered to 362 midwives. According to the results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the factor pattern for all the items, ideally, the scale has a two-dimensional distribution. Responses given to the items are rated on a five-point Likert-type scale.

Results: According to the item-total test correlation, all the items were related to each other. The Cronbach's Alpha value was 0.953 for the overall Professional Competence and Competency Scale in Midwifery, 0.917 and 0.932 for its "Professional Responsibilities and Communication Skills" and "Professional Knowledge, Skills and Practices" sub-dimensions, respectively. In addition, the scale has construct validity.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the validity and reliability study of The Professional Competence and Competency Scale in Midwifery, it is a valid, reliable tool, and it is discriminative in terms of measuring the desired quality.