A test instrument for palliative care.

This article describes a methodological study concerning the development of a test instrument that can be used for measuring the effects of a course in palliative care on registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. This test instrument is comprised of two parts: an expertise and insight test and a self-efficacy instrument and is tested in three panels. The expertise and insight test appears to be usable for measuring the effects of a course in palliative care. The reliability and validity of the test were found to be adequate for evaluation of the effects of a post-basic palliative care course. The generality of the self-efficacy instrument was reduced because high-scoring items in the area of communication had to be removed. Moreover, the scores of the various categories of respondents discriminate less than expected on the basis of their previous education and the test results. Many respondents, regardless of their background, believed themselves to have a high level of competency. The self-efficacy instrument must therefore be used cautiously.