Patient's Communication Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (PCSS): Construction and validation of a new measure in a socio-cognitive perspective

ObjectiveIn two studies we constructed and validated the Patient's Communication Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (PCSS) designed to assess patients' beliefs about their capability to successfully manage problematic situations related to communication with doctor.MethodsThe 20-item scale was administered to 179 outpatients (study 1). An Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a three-factor solution. In study 2, the 16-item scale was administered to 890 outpatients.ResultsExploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses supported the 3-factor solution (Provide and Collect information, Express concerns and doubts, Verify information) that showed good psychometric properties and was invariant for gender.ConclusionPCSS is an easily administered, reliable, and valid test of patients' communication self-efficacy beliefs.Practice implicationsIt can be applied optimally in the empirical study of factors influencing doctor-patient communication and used in training aimed at strengthening patients' communication skills.