The Design and Validation of a Compassion Fatigue Scale in Peruvian Nurses

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design and validate the Compassion Fatigue Scale (EFat-Com) in Peruvian nurses. Methods: A 13-item scale was designed using qualitative procedures and expert judgment. This version was administered to 201 nursing professionals using an electronic form along with two other measures: the Patient Health Questionnarie-2 and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: Exploratory factor analysis supported the existence of two factors with factor loadings > 0.54. Confirmatory factor analysis of the two-factor model yielded satisfactory fit indices after the elimination of two items. Regarding concurrent validity, a positive relationship was obtained between the EFat-Com and the measure of depression; however, no correlation was found with the measure of life satisfaction. The internal consistency was 0.807 for the total scale, 0.79 for Factor 1, and 0.83 for Factor 2. Conclusions: The EFat-Com showed adequate psychometric properties with respect to content-based validity evidence, internal structure, and reliability. Therefore, the instrument can be used in research and professional settings. However, it is essential to continue studying the validity evidence in other contexts.