Abstract
BACKGROUND: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Prevention of HAIs requires multifaceted approaches that consider the work environment in which interventions are implemented. PURPOSE: This study assessed the construct validity of the Relational Coordination Survey (RCS) as a measure of the work environment in infection prevention departments. METHODS: Data were obtained from 614 infection preventionists (IPs). Factor analysis and structural equation modeling tested the hypothesized model. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for the 28-item RCS was .91. Factor analyses confirmed a four-factor solution that explained 58.17% of the variance. The fit indices for the model indicated an adequate fit, χ²(346) = 699.38, p < .00; comparative fit index = .94; root mean square error of approximation = .06. CONCLUSIONS: The RCS may be a useful tool for measuring aspects of the work environment for IPs.