Development and initial validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and provide initial evidence of the validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale (RPASS). Methods A pool of 63 items was reviewed by an expert panel, subjected to 2 additional face validity checks, and reduced to 39 items. The scale was then completed by 333 participants, and an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Findings Results revealed a 3-factor, 20-item scale with evidence of reliability and convergent validity. Conclusions RPASS has utility for advancing research to support recruitment and retention of rural health providers and ultimately enhance rural health care delivery.