Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the Integrated Measure for Training Transfer in Nursing Practice

Background Training transfer refers to the application of knowledge and skills acquired through training in clinical practice. However, validated instruments that provide a differentiated assessment of factors influencing training transfer among specialist nurses in China remain scarce. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Integrated Measure for Training Transfer in Nursing Practice (IMTT-NP) into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties among specialist nurses. Methods A cross-sectional psychometric validation study was conducted among 951 specialist nurses from tertiary hospitals across six provinces in China. The IMTT-NP was translated and culturally adapted through forward and backward translation. Content validity was assessed through expert review. Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (n = 475) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 476). Convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, two-week test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity with the Factors Influencing Training Transfer questionnaire were also evaluated. Results The Chinese IMTT-NP demonstrated strong content validity, with item-level content validity indices ranging from 0.83 to 1.00 and an average scale-level content validity index of 0.94. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 12-factor structure that explained 58.1% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory model fit (χ²/df = 1.507, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.943, RMSEA = 0.033, and SRMR = 0.034). All dimensions satisfied the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω for the total scale were 0.924 and 0.971, respectively. Test–retest reliability among 37 participants yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.946. Concurrent validity was supported by a moderate correlation with the Factors Influencing Training Transfer questionnaire (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Conclusions The Chinese IMTT-NP demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties among specialist nurses working in tertiary hospitals in China. It may be used to assess perceived factors influencing training transfer and inform subsequent training and workplace-support strategies. Further validation is needed in other nursing populations and healthcare settings. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.