Development and initial validation of the grief training needs assessment scale (GTNAS)

This study aimed to develop and provide initial validation evidence for the Grief Training Needs Assessment Scale (GTNAS), designed to identify healthcare professionals' training needs in grief care. Items were generated using a deductive approach, reviewed by six experts through a Delphi procedure to establish content validity, and refined through cognitive interviews with five healthcare professionals. The final version was administered online to 221 professionals, predominantly women nurses. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure reflecting Pre- and Post-death Grief Competencies and Motivation for Grief Training. The GTNAS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .952) and satisfactory convergent and construct validity. Discriminant validity was supported for the motivation factor, whereas substantial overlap was observed between the two competency factors. These findings provide preliminary support for the GTNAS as a useful instrument for assessing grief-related training needs, warranting further validation across more diverse samples.