Dissemination of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS)

ABSTRACT

The Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS) was developed for self-assessment of spiritual care competencies by nurses and nursing students. This study reviews the use and results of the SCCS since its development in 2009. A literature review in PubMed, Cinahl and ResearchGate resulted in 53 articles from seventeen countries. Twelve studies made a cultural adaption and rearranged the 27 items of the SCCS. Mean total scores of the SCCS were in a small range (2.5–4.0 on a 5 point-scale), without differences between nurses and students (mean resp. 3.6 and 3.7). Cronbach's alpha for the total SCCS were also within a small range (0.87–0.97). Scores for the subscales had a wider range. Strong correlations were found between SCCS and spiritual factors. In conclusion, since its development in 2009, the SCCS is used worldwide for research purposes. Psychometrics confirm that in different countries the SCCS can be used as a valid tool, while in some contexts and cultures modifications may be needed.

KEYWORDS:

• SCCS
• spiritual care
• nurses
• students
• review
• assessment

Acknowledgements

The authors like to thank J. Lassche – Scheffer for her time, support, enthusiasm and help with finding articles.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

René van Leeuwen

René van Leeuwen is professor in nursing emeritus. He was director of the Lectorate Spirituality in Healthcare at Viaa University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, the Netherlands. He was involved in the EPICC Network and former chair of this network.

Annemiek E. Schep-Akkerman

Annemiek E. Schep-Akkerman studied Health Sciences, obtained also her Master of Science in General Epidemiology and get her PhD in primary care. Now she is since 15 years researcher at the Lectorate Spirituality in Healthcare, next to epidemiologist at the Dutch College of General Practitioners.