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.
Keywords: awareness of rural challenges; rural health; rural skills; rural training; scale development.
© 2021 National Rural Health Association.