title: Validation of a student satisfaction survey for clinical education placements in dietetics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Finite or shrinking health resources, coupled with increasing clinical student placement demand, raise many challenges, including potential impacts on placement quality. One method of measuring quality is through the use of validated tools and systematic evaluation; however, no validated dietetic student satisfaction surveys could be identified.
  
  
  METHODS
  An electronic student survey assessing clinical placement satisfaction was developed, using survey items from the literature and questions clinical educators considered pertinent. Pilot testing ensured understandability and content validity. The confidential, electronic student clinical placement satisfaction survey was provided to health services statewide and completed by students following their final placement assessment (160 responses from 290 placements). Forty-seven statements were scored on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), with overall placement satisfaction assessed on a 10-point scale (very poor to exceptional).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No metropolitan, regional, or remote differences were evident with regard to sample representativeness (n=160). Two factors encompassing 28 items (related to supervisors and clinicial educators) accounted for 78% of the variance. Good internal consistency was evident (Cronbach's alpha 0.98).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study establishes the construct validity of an instrument by which the satisfaction of dietetic students with their clinical placement can now be evaluated. Knowing students' satisfaction with clinical placements is but one potential outcome measure of a quality educational program, but it is essential for enhancing the educational experience.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Rd., Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. Tel 61 7 3176 5099, fax 61 7 3176 5619. Angela.Vivanti@health.qld.gov.au.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vivanti
authors.forename: Nicky
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haron
authors.forename: Rhiannon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011793:Queensland; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*