A research tool for measuring perceptions of clinical decision making

Few tools exist in professional nursing for assessment of decision making. This research study was conducted to measure perceptions of clinical decision making in one baccalaureate nursing program. The Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale was developed for the study. Hypotheses focused on differences among academic levels. Normative decision making and self-perception theory provided the theoretical base for the tool because of the lack of verified nursing theory on decision making. The Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale consists of 40 statements to which subjects respond on a Likert scale. A stratified sample of 111 subjects was used, including 27 sophomores, 43 juniors, and 41 seniors. Assessment by a panel of nurse experts and a pretest were used to establish validity. Reliability procedures produced a final Cronbach's alpha of 0.83. Analyses of variance were conducted for total and subscale scores at a probability level of 0.05. Results indicated no differences among scores except for one subscale, Search for Alternatives or Options. This report explains the theoretical base, development, testing, and results of the research conducted. Future studies are recommended to assess the nature and characteristics of this highly desirable skill, which the author feels is an absolute necessity for effective nursing intervention.