Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: Psychometric analysis on a Scottish sample

Objective: To investigate the psychometric properties
of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture on
a Scottish NHS data set.
Methods: The data were collected from 1969 clinical
staff (estimated 22% response rate) from one acute
hospital from each of seven Scottish Health boards.
Using a split-half validation technique, the data were
randomly split; an exploratory factor analysis was
conducted on the calibration data set, and
confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the
validation data set to investigate and check the original
US model fit in a Scottish sample.
Results: Following the split-half validation technique,
exploratory factor analysis results showed a 10-factor
optimal measurement model. The confirmatory factor
analyses were then performed to compare the model
fit of two competing models (10-factor alternative
model vs 12-factor original model). An SeB scaled c2
square difference test demonstrated that the original
12-factor model performed significantly better in
a Scottish sample. Furthermore, reliability analyses of
each component yielded satisfactory results. The mean
scores on the climate dimensions in the Scottish
sample were comparable with those found in other
European countries.
Conclusions: This study provided evidence that
the original 12-factor structure of the Hospital
Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale has been
replicated in this Scottish sample. Therefore, no
modifications are required to the original 12-factor
model, which is suggested for use, since it would allow
researchers the possibility of cross-national
comparisons.