Turkish validity and reliability study of midwifery student evaluation of practice (MidSTEP) tool

Background: In midwifery education, clinical learning environments have a significant impact on students' acquisition of clinical competence and professional self-identity. The Turkish version of the MidSTEP can be used a measurement tool to assess midwifery students' perceptions of their clinical learning environment experiences and the positive effects of preceptor on the professional development of midwifery students. Aim: This research was conducted to determine the Turkish validity-reliability of MidSTEP. Method: This research, which was designed as a methodological study, was conducted with volunteer students studying in the first, second, and third years of midwifery at a university in Turkey. The MidSTEP consists of the Clinical Learning Environment Scale and Impact of the Midwifery Preceptor Scale, each with two subscales. The validity and reliability of the MidSTEP were assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Participants: In this study, 205 students were included in the research sample, considering that it may not be sufficient to reveal the factor structure when the number of scale items and the sample size is less than 200. Results: As a result of the factor analysis a 26 item measurement tool of two scales and each with two subdimensions was achieved. The Turkish version of the MidSTEP Tool matched the original scale in terms of the number of items and factor structure. Conclusions and implications for practice: The Turkish version of the MidSTEP is a valid and reliable instrument. The measurement tool can confidently be used in undergraduate midwifery clinical education.