The translation and validation of the MES for an Austrian sample.

Introduction: Empathy plays an important role in midwifery care, not only for the women but also for midwives. The Midwifery Empathy Scale (MES) was developed to assess the empathy levels of midwives and midwifery students. The purpose of this study was the translation and validation of the MES for an Austrian sample.

Methods: A total of 277 midwives working in Austria completed the questionnaire of the MES. The psychometric measurements that were performed included explanatory factor analysis using a varimax rotation and principal components analysis. Moreover, the internal consistency of the MES was assessed with reliability coefficients. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy and a Bartlett's test of sphericity were carried out.

Results: Principal components analysis showed seven orthogonal factors. KMO measure of sample adequacy = 0.724 and Bartlett's test of sphericity = 1058.904 (df=231, p<0.0001). The MES showed an acceptable overall internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.721 and the Guttman split-half coefficient was 0.611. The findings of our study confirm the multidimensionality of MES, demonstrating a seven-factor structure which contained subscales reflecting empathy and emotional connection. The mean total score of Austrian midwives' responses to the MES was 44.80 with scores ranging from 24 to 81.

Conclusions: This study shows that the German version of the Midwifery Empathy Scale is a reliable instrument for evaluating the empathy levels of midwives and midwifery students in Austria. The German MES could be used in the selection and education of future midwives as well as in connection with empathy trainings of midwives.