Aim. This study reports the use of exploratory factor analysis to determine
construct validity of a modified advanced practice role delineation tool.
Background. Little research exists on specific activities and domains of practice
within advanced practice nursing roles, making it difficult to define service
parameters of this level of nursing practice. A valid and reliable tool would assist
those responsible for employing or deploying advanced practice nurses by identifying
and defining their service profile. This is the third article from a multi-phase
Australian study aimed at assigning advanced practice roles.
Methods. A postal survey was conducted of a random sample of state government
employed Registered Nurses and midwives, across various levels and grades of
practice in the state of Queensland, Australia, using the modified Advanced Practice
Role Delineation tool. Exploratory factor analysis, using principal axis factoring
was undertaken to examine factors in the modified tool. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient
determined reliability of the overall scale and identified factors.
Results. There were 658 responses (42% response rate). The five factors found with
loadings of ‡400 for 40 of the 41 APN activities were similar to the five domains in
the Strong model. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0Æ94 overall and for the factors
ranged from 0Æ83 to 0Æ95.
Conclusion. Exploratory factor analysis of the modified tool supports validity of the
five domains of the original tool. Further investigation will identify use of the tool in
a broader healthcare environment.