The development and psychometric evaluation of the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale.
OBJECTIVE
to develop and psychometrically evaluate a scale to measure midwives' perceptions of their levels of empowerment.


METHODS
a cross-sectional postal survey, carried out in May 2005.


METHODS
a random sample of midwives practising in Ireland (n=244).


RESULTS
the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale (PEMS) was developed and psychometrically evaluated in this study. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the scale, using Principal Axis Factoring with an oblique (Direct Oblimin) rotation. This suggested three sub-scales: autonomous practice; effective management and women-centred practice. The scale was found to be a valid and reliable instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
the PEMS is an appropriate tool to measure midwives' perceptions of their levels of empowerment.


CONCLUSIONS
within the current context of change in Irish midwifery, this research facilitates the articulation and measurement of the conditions that facilitate empowerment in midwifery, which can assist in enhancing the midwifery contribution to maternity care.
Matthews
Anne
A
School of Nursing, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. anne.matthews@dcu.ie
Scott
P Anne
PA
Gallagher
Pamela
P
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011209:Power, Psychological; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence; D011594:Psychometrics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*