Factors relevant for nursing practice on psychotropic drugs were identified. A Delphi expert panel (n = 10) evaluated face and construct validity. Internal consistency was assessed using the known groups’ method. Reliability and stability were assessed using a test-retest procedure in nursing students (n = 52). Item analysis included difficulty index and discrimination value.
Twenty-four items were retained after the Delphi panel. The discrimination value was acceptable [0.05–0.27] and difficulty index showed good results [0.10–0.89]. A good stability, r = 0.80 (95% CI = 0.68-0.88, P < .001] and a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.76) were found. The mean knowledge of respondents (n = 317) was low, with nurses (46.0%) scoring better than nursing students (37.9%, P < .001). Having a Bachelor degree and graduating in geriatric specialisation was associated with higher results.
This is the first knowledge assessment instrument on psychotropic drugs for nurses in an acute geriatric care setting. Mean test scores were low, indicating a knowledge deficit among nurses and nursing students. Further refining of the test and validation in other care settings is needed.