Abstract
Objectives: To develop and evaluate the characteristics of an instrument for assessing core competencies for injury and violence prevention.
Methods: We developed a preliminary tool and pilot tested it with a small sample. After refining the tool, we recruited 401 participants to respond to the questions and provide information about demographic characteristics, injury activities, education, and current injury- and violence-related work. With the obtained data, we conducted a categorical confirmatory factor analysis to determine domains of knowledge for questions. We then evaluated the properties of the assessment, using item response theory.
Results: Results of item evaluation using item response theory provide a 26-item Injury Prevention Assessment scale, which reliably assesses injury prevention knowledge at an entry-level ability.
Conclusions: This initial assessment is useful both for individual practitioners and for institutions as a tool for determining the need for training in injury prevention concepts. Additional tools should be developed to assess higher-proficiency levels of knowledge of injury prevention.