title: An examination of the validity of EPSCALE using factor analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the validity and utility of the Explanation and Planning Scale (EPSCALE) instrument, a widely used scale for teaching and assessment of explanation and planning skills used by clinicians during the medical interview.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data obtained across 4 OSCE stations during medical student final MB examinations. Exploratory factor analysis, using a single factor and two factor models (based on prior theory) and a six factor empirical model, suggested by parallel analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  124 medical students sitting final MB examinations at the University of Cambridge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A single factor model represented a very poor fit. A two factor model with factors labelled 'Explanation' and 'Planning' produced an improved fit, but the best was seen with a six factor model, with factors which broadly corresponded to the domains of the Calgary-Cambridge guide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These factor models provide supportive evidence for the construct validity of EPSCALE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EPSCALE can justifiably be used in the assessment of shared-decision making skills.
authors.affiliation: General Practice and Primary Care Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. contact@drdan.me
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Edgcumbe
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003142:Communication; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom