The Prosthetist Role Expectations Scale: Development and initial validation of a scale for clinical settings.

Abstract

The role of the prosthetist has changed substantially over the past century. In the transition from 'limb-maker' to 'clinician', the expectations of prosthetics professionals have also changed. To develop and test a new scale capable of assessing and comparing current expectations of the roles of the prosthetist. Scale development and validation. A new scale was constructed in accordance with Organizational Role Theory. It comprised 72 items that subdivide into 11 subscales. Face, content and construct validity, along with test-retest and inter-rater reliability were evaluated. The Prosthetist Role Expectations Scale was found to be psychometrically sound, reliable for use in a range of settings and clinically feasible in a sample of 17 Australian therapists. The Prosthetist Role Expectations Scale demonstrated robust psychometric properties and appears well suited to monitoring current expectations of the role of the prosthetist in health service delivery. Clinical relevance The Prosthetist Role Expectations Scale can identify current expectations of the role of the prosthetist, showing areas of consensus and conflict between key professional and client groups. Wider use of the instrument will contribute to increased understanding of professional roles. This may help to reduce role conflict and improve communication within healthcare teams.