Development and validation of the 12-item video consultation self-efficacy scale

Background: Video consultations in healthcare are remote solutions for delivering assessments and treatments to patients. The acceptance and use of video consultations may depend on self-efficacy among healthcare practitioners. Measuring self-efficacy in providing video consultations may identify individuals with insufficient self-efficacy and enable targeted interventions and support. No valid and reliable scale was available for measuring self-efficacy in the Norwegian context. Therefore, our aim was to develop (Study 1) and validate (Study 2) a new research-based video consultation self-efficacy scale for Norwegian practitioners in specialized healthcare. Method: In Study 1, we developed preliminary scale items, based on results from a systematic review. These items were subjected to experts’ opinions in a modified Delphi method-based study. The experts also suggested additional items. These results were then used in developing an initial video consultation self-efficacy scale. In Study 2, this scale was validated in a questionnaire study. Reliability was examined by using item analysis and Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency). Construct validity was examined by using exploratory factor analysis and Spearman’s correlation (convergent and divergent validity). Results: In Study 1, a total of 56 scale items were considered, and resulted in a preliminary 15-item scale. In Study 2, item analysis and exploratory factor analysis resulted in a unidimensional 12-item video consultation self-efficacy scale. Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency) was (α) = .974. The Spearman’s correlations showed a moderate positive correlation between the 12-item scale and the Digital Competence Questionnaire, a weak positive correlation between the 12-item scale and the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and a weak positive correlation between the 12-item scale and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. These results suggest that the scale is a reliable and valid measure for assessing practitioners’ self-efficacy in providing video consultations to patients in specialized healthcare. Implications: We recommend further, more comprehensive, validation of the scale in different contexts in Norwegian specialized healthcare, such as in different clinical specialties and with larger samples. Keywords: development and validation, self-efficacy scale, specialized healthcare, practitioners, video consultation