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

Objective: In 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. Methods: The 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. Results: Exploratory 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. Conclusion: PCSS is an easily administered, reliable, and valid test of patients' communication self-efficacy beliefs. Practice implications: It can be applied optimally in the empirical study of factors influencing doctor-patient communication and used in training aimed at strengthening patients' communication skills. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.