RESEARCH ARTICLE Validation of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) in a sample of 731 Greek residents

Background: The Greek version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) was evalu-ated to determine its psychometric properties, i.e., validity, internal consistency, sensitivity and responsiveness to be used for measuring the learning environment in Greek hospitals. Methods: The PHEEM was administered to Greek hospital residents. Internal consistency was measured using Cron-bach’s alpha. Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was used to evaluate the fit of Structural Equation Models. Content validity was addressed by the original study. Construct validity was tested using confirmatory (to test the set of underlying dimensions suggested by the original study) and exploratory (to explore the dimensions needed to explain the variability of the given answers) factor analysis using Varimax rotation. Convergent validity was calcu-lated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient regarding the participant’s PHEEM score and participant’s overall satisfaction score of the added item “Overall, I am very satisfied with my specialization in this post”. Sensitivity was checked by comparing good versus poor aspects of the educational environment and by satisfied versus unsatisfied participants. Results: A total of 731 residents from 83 hospitals and 41 prefectures responded to the PHEEM. The original three-factor model didn’t fit better compared to one factor model that is accounting for 32 % of the variance. Cronbach’s α was 0.933 when assuming one-factor model. Using a three-factor model (autonomy, teaching, social support), Cron