Mechanisms of organisational learning in hospitals: An instrument development study.

AIM

To develop a valid, reliable research instrument to measure mechanisms associated with organisational learning in hospitals.

BACKGROUND

A valid, reliable instrument for measuring mechanisms of organisational learning would enable nurse leaders and researchers to improve health care through facilitation and study of organisational learning.

METHODS

The Organizational Learning in Hospitals model was used as a framework to develop the Organizational Learning Instrument-Mechanisms. Cognitive interviews and expert reviews were used to refine and evaluate item-level and scale-level content validity. The instrument was distributed by email to a random sample of nurses working in inpatient hospitals in Utah (n = 1253). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess construct validity, and coefficient alpha was used to assess internal reliability.

RESULTS

Item-level content validity scores were .88 to 1.0, and scale-level content validity was .98 (maximum score = 1.0). Standardized factor loadings were .539-.956, with model fit statistics as follows: comparative fit index (CFI) = .975, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = .973 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .059. Coefficient alpha scores were .77-.95 for the instrument's five factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial testing indicates the Organizational Learning Instrument-Mechanisms has adequate levels of reliability, content validity and construct validity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Hospital leaders and researchers may begin using this instrument to improve and study the mechanisms of organisational learning in hospital units.