Identifying nurse sensitive indicators specific to haemodialysis nursing: A Delphi approach

BackgroundNurse sensitive indicators measure the quality of care that is specific to the practice of nurses. There are currently few indicators suitable to measure haemodialysis nursing practice.AimTo identify haemodialysis nurse sensitive indicators.MethodsThe Delphi technique, an iterative process, was used to attain consensus from a national expert panel of haemodialysis registered nurses. The panel rated their level of agreement, importance and frequency of nurse sensitive indicators using online surveys that included qualitative feedback. Results of each round shaped subsequent rounds. Consensus was set at greater than 70.0%.FindingsThe 38-member expert panel had a median haemodialysis experience of 17 years (IQR 8.5–22) and 89% had attained a specialist post-registration renal qualification. Round 1 assessed the suitability of 38 nurse sensitive indicators. Those indicators failing to achieve consensus were retested and removed after round 2 (n = 12). Round 3 assessed a modified list of 26 nurse sensitive indicators with all achieving consensus. The fourth and final round was used to both provide feedback to the expert panel and to elicit further qualitative feedback.DiscussionA comprehensive set of quality indicators to measure nursing-sensitive activities in the specialised context of haemodialysis have been developed.ConclusionThese 26 haemodialysis nurse sensitive indicators capture the structures, processes and outcomes which could measure the quality of nursing care provided to people receiving haemodialysis.     

Defining a Bobath clinical framework – A modified e-Delphi study

Objective: To gain consensus within the expert International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) on a Bobath clinical framework on which future efficacy studies can be based. Methods: A three-round modified e-Delphi approach was used with 204 full members of the IBITA. Twenty-one initial statements were generated from the literature. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 80% of the respondents with a level of agreement on a Likert scale of 4 or 5. The Delphi questionnaire for each round was available online for two weeks. Summary reports and subsequent questionnaires were posted within four weeks. Results: Ninety-four IBITA members responded, forming the Delphi panel, of which 68 and 66 responded to Rounds Two and Three, respectively. The 21 initial statements were revised to 17 statements and five new statements in Round Two in which eight statements were accepted and two statements were eliminated. Round Three presented 12 revised statements, all reaching consensus. Conclusion: The Delphi was successful in gaining consensus on a Bobath clinical framework in a geographically diverse expert association, identifying the unique components of Bobath clinical practice. Discussion throughout all three Rounds revolved primarily around the terminology of atypical and compensatory motor behavior and balance.     

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo develop new diagnostic criteria for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that are appropriate for use across the lifespan and in sports, civilian trauma, and military settings.DesignRapid evidence reviews on 12 clinical questions and Delphi method for expert consensus.ParticipantsThe Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Brain Injury Special Interest Group convened a Working Group of 17 members and an external interdisciplinary expert panel of 32 clinician-scientists. Public stakeholder feedback was analyzed from 68 individuals and 23 organizations.ResultsThe first 2 Delphi votes asked the expert panel to rate their agreement with both the diagnostic criteria for mild TBI and the supporting evidence statements. In the first round, 10 of 12 evidence statements reached consensus agreement. Revised evidence statements underwent a second round of expert panel voting, where consensus was achieved for all. For the diagnostic criteria, the final agreement rate, after the third vote, was 90.7%. Public stakeholder feedback was incorporated into the diagnostic criteria revision prior to the third expert panel vote. A terminology question was added to the third round of Delphi voting, where 30 of 32 (93.8%) expert panel members agreed that ‘the diagnostic label ‘concussion’ may be used interchangeably with ‘mild TBI’ when neuroimaging is normal or not clinically indicated.’ConclusionsNew diagnostic criteria for mild TBI were developed through an evidence review and expert consensus process. Having unified diagnostic criteria for mild TBI can improve the quality and consistency of mild TBI research and clinical care.     

Digital adaptability competency for healthcare professionals: a modified explorative e-Delphi study

AimTo establish items of the digital adaptability competency for healthcare professionals.BackgroundWhile the application and deployment of eHealth has continued at a rapid pace, healthcare professionals are expected to keep up and join the digital evolution. The implementation of eHealth requires a change in the healthcare professionals’ competencies of which the ability to adapt to technological change is fundamental. There’s more needed than just ICT skills, overall competencies to be digitally adaptable between patientcare and the use of eHealth are needed. Today, a distinct and relevant list of items for healthcare professionals related to the competency of digital adaptability is missing.DesignAn exploratory modified e-Delphi study.MethodsThis study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. An expert group (n = 12) consisting of 2 policymakers of the Belgian federal government, 3 eHealth managers of large organizations in the Belgian healthcare sector, 1 nurse, 1 midwife, 2 health service users and 3 researchers specialized in eHealth research.Through a literature review an initial list of items was developed, consisting of 67 statements. A two-round Delphi survey was performed where experts could rate the relevance of each item. The third round comprised an online meeting, where the expert group discussed the remaining items until agreement was reached to retain, modify, or eliminate the item.ResultsIn round 1, eleven items were included to the final document. In round 2, ten items were included. In round 3, the panel unanimously agreed to add six items, one item was modified into two separate items. In total, 29 items were included in the final document.ConclusionsThe rather abstract concept of digital adaptability is now transformed into a more pragmatic concept of 29 items, reflecting the practical competencies of healthcare professionals necessary to be digital adaptable.     

Developing Core Competency-Based Learning Objectives for Postgraduate Curricula for Postanesthesia Nurses—A Delphi Study

PurposePostanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse competencies involve the ability to care for patients receiving complex treatment. Well-educated PACU nurses are required to provide safe patient care, and accordingly, they require investment in their education. However, core competencies for PACU nurses that are based on systematic methods for curriculum development and consensus have not been established. The purpose of this study was to develop a nationwide consensus on core competency–based learning objectives for a postgraduate PACU nursing curriculum.DesignNationwide Delphi Study using Kern's six steps of curriculum development as a framework.MethodsForty-one anesthesiologists and 38 PACU nurses from 37 Danish departments of anesthesiology were invited to participate. In Delphi round 1, the participants listed core competencies for PACU nurses within 12 predefined categories. We analyzed the responses using an inductive and manifest approach to content analysis and developed learning objectives in accordance with the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes and Simpson taxonomies. In Delphi round 2 and 3, the participants rated and rerated the learning objectives on a 7-point Likert scale, measuring statements of agreement. Consensus was predefined as a median score of 6 and or greater. The main outcome was a prioritized list of competency-based learning objectives for a postgraduate PACU nurse curriculum.FindingsTwenty-six nurses and 14 anesthesiologists (51%) completed all Delphi rounds, representing 22 (60%) departments of anesthesiology. Consensus was reached on 180 learning objectives. The learning objectives described competencies ranging from basic to complex nursing tasks and emphasized the knowledge and skills needed to identify and initiate treatment of postoperative complications.ConclusionsNationwide consensus on core competencies for postgraduate curricula for PACU nurses was achieved through the Delphi method. Our study exemplifies the range of complex knowledge and skills needed to work as a PACU nurse. The learning objectives are applicable in postgraduate curricula designed for PACU nurses.     

Construction of a competency framework of dental hygienists: A Delphi study

AimTo explore the basic and core competencies of dental hygienists, construct a systematic and scientific competency framework for dental hygienists taking into account China’s national conditions and provide a theoretical basis for the future training in China and other countries that have not yet established the competencies of dental hygienists.BackgroundThe establishment of dental hygienists role is essential for the public to improve the dental health level. Currently, more than 50 countries around the world have established the role of dental hygienists and defined the core competencies needed by dental hygienists. However, studies on developing a standardized and unified consensus of competencies of dental hygienists are lacking in China.MethodsBased on the literature review and theoretical research, this study explored the theoretical basis and fundamental principle of constructing the competency framework for dental hygienists. Moreover, a correspondence questionnaire on dental hygienists’ competency framework was initially constructed to clarify the specific content of each competency. Finally, the Delphi method was adopted to establish the indicators of the dental hygienists’ competency framework according to the principle of expert selection and inclusion criteria.ResultsThe three rounds of Delphi consultation experts were from nursing, stomatology and management and other fields. Three rounds of Delphi results showed that the expert authority, enthusiasm and coordination coefficients were high. Thereafter, a competency framework of dental hygienists with 4 primary indicators, 15 secondary indicators and 50 tertiary indicators was constructed, which included theoretical knowledge, professional skills, professional abilities and occupational qualities.ConclusionLiterature and theoretical research methods along with Delphi expert consultation were used to construct the competency framework of dental hygienists based on the onion model. The competency framework of dental hygienists was scientific, reasonable and practical, which is consistent with the current health situation in China and has distinct Chinese characteristics. Some of our findings, offer ideas for other developing countries that have not yet set up the role of dental hygienists or are in an initial stage.     

Development and Validation of the WHO Rehabilitation Competency Framework: A Mixed Methods Study

ObjectivesTo identify the competencies, behaviors, activities, and tasks required by the rehabilitation workforce, and their core values and beliefs, and to validate these among rehabilitation professionals and service users.DesignMixed methods study, involving a content analysis of rehabilitation-related competency frameworks, a modified Delphi study, and a consultation-based questionnaire of service users.SettingDesk-based research.ParticipantsParticipants who completed the first (N=77; 47%) and second (N=68; 67%) iterations of the modified Delphi study. Thirty-seven individuals participated in the service user consultation. Collectively, the participants of the mixed methods study represented a significant range of rehabilitation professions from a broad range of countries, as well as both high- and low-income settings.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresNot applicable.ResultsThe mixed methods study resulted in the inclusion of 4 core values, 4 core beliefs, 17 competencies, 56 behaviors, 20 activities, and 62 tasks in the Rehabilitation Competency Framework. The content analysis of rehabilitation-related competency frameworks produced an alpha list of competencies, behaviors, activities and tasks (“statements”), which were categorized into 5 domains. The final iteration of the modified Delphi study revealed an average of 95% agreement with the statements, whereas the service user consultation indicated an average of 87% agreement with the statements included in the questionnaire.ConclusionsDespite the diverse composition of the rehabilitation workforce, this mixed methods study demonstrated that a strong consensus on competencies and behaviors that are shared across professions, specializations, and settings, and for activities and tasks that collectively capture the scope of rehabilitation practice. The development of the Rehabilitation Competency Framework is a pivotal step toward the twin goals of building workforce capability to improve quality of care and strengthening a common rehabilitation workforce identity that will bolster its visibility and influence at a systems-level.     

Critical care competencies

In the absence of nationally accepted critical care competencies, each educational institution providing critical care programmes is forced to define the essential competencies necessary for practice, leading to variations in expected practice and the emergence of 'postcode' competencies. This research report aims to build upon competency activity for all areas of nursing practice within critical care levels 1, 2 and 3. A functional analysis to elicit core critical care competency statements was conducted and a modified Delphi technique was used to generate consensus opinion from a pan-London purposive sample of nurses working in critical care. The functional analysis group identified four competency statements and elements of competencies. Consensus agreement of 80% was achieved with mean agreement scores that exceed 97%. A core critical care competency framework was refined and developed by expert nurses drawing on their own experience and knowledge of critical care nursing. The framework could be useful to: educationalists designing competency-based curricula; critical care managers as a tool for recruitment and retention and for education and training of staff; individual critical care nurses to facilitate continuous professional development.     

A Consensus Statement for the Management and Rehabilitation of Communication and Swallowing Function in the ICU: A Global Response to COVID-19

ObjectiveTo identify core practices for workforce management of communication and swallowing functions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive patients within the intensive care unit (ICU).DesignA modified Delphi methodology was used, with 3 electronic voting rounds. AGREE II and an adapted COVID-19 survey framework from physiotherapy were used to develop survey statements. Sixty-six statements pertaining to workforce planning and management of communication and swallowing function in the ICU were included.SettingElectronic modified Delphi process.ParticipantsSpeech-language pathologists (SLPs) (N=35) from 6 continents representing 12 countries.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome was consensus agreement, defined a priori as ≥70% of participants with a mean Likert score ≥7.0 (11-point scale: 0=strongly disagree, 10=strongly agree). Prioritization rank order of statements in a fourth round was also conducted.ResultsSLPs with a median of 15 years of ICU experience, working primarily in clinical (54%), academic (29%), or managerial positions (17%), completed all voting rounds. After the third round, 64 statements (97%) met criteria. Rank ordering identified issues of high importance.ConclusionsA set of global consensus statements to facilitate planning and delivery of rehabilitative care for patients admitted to the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic were agreed by an international expert SLP group. Statements focused on considerations for workforce preparation, resourcing and training, and the management of communication and swallowing functions. These statements support and provide direction for all members of the rehabilitation team to use for patients admitted to the ICU during a global pandemic.     

Clinical validation of expert consensus statements for respiratory physiotherapy management of invasively ventilated adults with community-acquired pneumonia: A qualitative study

ObjectivesTo conduct multidisciplinary peer-review of expert consensus statements for respiratory physiotherapy for invasively ventilated adults with community-acquired pneumonia, to determine clinical acceptability for development into a clinical practice guideline.Research methodologyA qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups (n = 3) conducted with clinician representatives from five Australian states. Participants were senior intensive care physiotherapists, nurses and consultants. Thematic analysis was used, with a deductive approach to confirm clinical validity, and inductive analysis to identify new themes relevant to the application of the 38 statements into practice.SettingAdult intensive care.FindingsSenior intensive care clinicians from physiotherapy (n = 16), medicine (n = 6) and nursing (n = 4) participated. All concurred that the consensus statements added valuable guidance to practice; twenty-nine (76%) were deemed relevant and applicable for the intensive care setting without amendment, with modifications suggested for remaining nine statements to enhance utility. Overarching themes of patient safety, teamwork and communication and culture were identified as factors influencing clinical application. Cultural differences in practice, particularly related to patient positioning, was evident between jurisdictions. Participants raised practicality and safety concerns for two statements related to the use of head-down patient positioning.ConclusionMultidisciplinary peer-review established clinical validity of expert consensus statements for implementation with invasively ventilated adults with community-acquired pneumonia.     

Identification of competencies for patient education in physiotherapy using a Delphi approach

Objectives

Patient education is a critical part of physiotherapy practice however an empirically derived set of competencies for its use does not exist. This study aimed to generate a set of competencies for patient education in physiotherapy using a consensus approach.

Construction of evaluation indexes of nursing students' quality and safety competencies: A Delphi study in China

BackgroundProviding quality and safe nursing care is considered the cornerstone of the healthcare system globally. However, there are no comprehensive evaluation indicators of nursing students' quality and safety competencies in China.AimTo develop the evaluation indicators and achieve experts' consensus on bachelor nursing students' quality and safety competencies at their graduation.MethodsBased on the framework of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, literature review, semi-structured interview, and e-Delphi technique, the evaluation indicators were developed and obtained consensus through the participation of 22 nursing educational experts from August 2016 to May 2017.ResultsThe evaluation indicators consisted of six domains, including safety care, patient-center care, collaboration and teamwork, continuous quality improvement, informatics, and evidence-based practice competencies, and 88 indicators. These indicators obtained ≥76% consensus on the experts' judgments.ConclusionsThe evaluation indicators achieved the consensus on a panel of nursing experts, which were scientific and practicable. It could provide guidance for establishing a nursing curriculum to prepare bachelor nursing students' quality and safety competencies.     

Core Domains for Research on Hospital Inactivity in Acutely Ill Older Adults: A Delphi Consensus Study

ObjectiveTo identify core domains for research studies of physical activity and sedentary behavior during hospitalization for older adults with an acute medical illness.DesignA 4-Round Delphi consensus process. Round 1 invited responses to open-ended questions to generate items for the core domains research. In rounds 2-4, participants were invited to use a Likert scale (1-9) to rate the importance of each core domain for research studies of physical activity and/or sedentary behavior in hospitalized older adults with an acute medical illness.SettingOnline surveys.ParticipantsA total of 49 participants were invited to each round (international researchers, clinicians, policy makers and patients). Response rates across rounds 1-4 were 94%, 88%, 83% and 81%, respectively.InterventionsNone.Main Outcome MeasuresConsensus was defined a priori as ≥70% of respondents rating an item as “critical” (score≥7) and ≤15% of respondents rating an item as “not important” (score≤3).ResultsIn round 2, a total of 9 of 25 core domains reached consensus agreement (physical functioning, general, role functioning, emotional functioning, global quality of life, hospital, psychiatric, cognitive functioning, carer burden). In round 3, an additional 8 reached consensus (adverse events, perceived health status, musculoskeletal, social functioning, vascular, cardiac, mortality, economic). Round 4 participants provided further review and a final rating of all 17 core domains that met consensus in previous rounds. Four core domains were rated as “critically important” to evaluate: physical functioning, social functioning, emotional functioning, and hospital outcomes.ConclusionsThis preliminary work provides international and expert consensus-based core domains for development toward a core-outcome set for research, with the ultimate goal of fostering consistency in outcomes and reporting to accelerate research on effective strategies to address physical activity and/or sedentary behavior in older adults while hospitalized.     

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale for Managing Cancer Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Study

ObjectiveAssessing nursing self-efficacy could be strategic to sustain nursing competence. This study aimed to develop and validate the nursing self-efficacy scale for managing cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity (NSS-CTC).Data SourcesAn exploratory mixed-method study was performed by including two main phases. The first comprised the developmental tasks to generate the initial pool of items, including a literature review and a consensus meeting based on a nominal group technique. The second phase initially involved an external panel of experts in assessing the content validity of the novel scale, followed by a cross-sectional data collection to perform exploratory factor analysis by employing a multicenter and convenience sampling approach. The most plausible psychometric structure derived from the exploratory factor analysis was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis using a second data collection round on another sample enrolled with a multicenter and convenience sampling approach. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alfa.ConclusionThe NSS-CTS is a novel 15-item self-report measure for assessing nurse self-efficacy in dealing with cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Its two plausible domains were labeled knowledge-related self-efficacy (Cronbach's α = 0.924) and practice-related self-efficacy (Cronbach's α = 0.937); the factor analyses in both samples showed adequate fit to sample statistics. Future studies are necessary to corroborate its construct validity and assess its measurement invariance across various country contexts.Implications for Nursing PracticeAssessing nursing self-efficacy for managing cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity is a promising approach for identifying educational gaps and promoting nursing competency in this particular area of cancer care.     

Primary care nursing competencies in Canadian undergraduate nursing programs: A national cross-sectional survey

AimTo assess the extent to which Canadian undergraduate baccalaureate nursing programs have incorporated Canadian competencies for Registered Nurses in primary care into their curricula.BackgroundCanadian competencies for Registered Nurses in primary care have several benefits, including their ability to inform primary care education in undergraduate nursing programs and to assist in building a robust primary care nursing workforce.DesignWe conducted a national cross-sectional survey of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing programs (n = 74).MethodsThe survey was conducted between April-May 2022. We used a modified version of the “Community Health Nurses’ Continuing Education Needs Questionnaire”. Respondents indicated their level of agreement on a 6-point Likert scale with 47 statements about the integration of the competencies in their program (1 = strongly disagree; 6 = strongly agree).ResultsThe response rate was 51.4%. The overall mean across the six competency domains was 4.73 (SD 0.30). The mean scores of each domain ranged from 4.23 (SD 1.27) for Quality Assurance, Evaluation and Research to 5.17 (SD 0.95) for Communication.ConclusionsThere are gaps in how these competencies are included in undergraduate education programs and opportunities to strengthen education for this growing workforce in Canada.     

Adaptation and validation of a nursing competencies framework for clinical practice on a continuum of care from childhood to adulthood: A Delphi study

BackgroundToo few of nursing competencies framework exceed applicability to a given environment, are validated by a research process or used to guide continuing development of nursing competencies.ObjectivesThe study objectives were: 1) to adapt and validate a nursing competencies framework from the continuum of care from childhood to adulthood and 2) to explore implementation strategies.DesignA collaborative approach including nurses from different practice perspectives. A modified Delphi method supported the adaptation and the validation of a nursing competencies framework.SettingThis study was conducted in a pediatric and an adult care university hospitals in Montreal.ParticipantsForty-two nurses were recruited from both university hospitals.MethodsA modified Delphi study was conducted. An online questionnaire, containing dichotomous and open-ended questions, was used to collect data on the nursing competencies framework and the suggested implementation strategies for its use. Consensus percentage was calculated, and thematic analysis was used to analyze nurses' comments and implementation strategies suggested.ResultsThe nursing competencies framework (NCF), adapted and validated in this study, includes seven competencies and four development stages, from advanced beginner to clinical expert nurses. After three rounds, the nursing competencies framework describes the professional role from the continuum of care from childhood to adulthood, and proposes a self-assessment tool that promotes professional development and continuing education of nurses. Moreover, four strategies for implementing the framework in the clinical setting obtained a consensus of 70% or more.ConclusionsA nursing competencies framework was validated by a rigorous research process and adapted to diverse contexts of care. The results revealed a common vision of the nursing practice for patients and their families on the life course from childhood to adulthood. This innovative framework carries the potential to be a relevant and unique reference tool. The nursing competencies framework can provide guidance for the development of nurses' competencies in clinical setting. Additionally, it is a relevant reference that should be use for knowing the scope and the standards of the professional practice in nursing education.     

Indicators of Quality Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency: A 3-Round Delphi Study

ObjectiveTo obtain expert consensus on indicators of quality rehabilitation services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).DesignThree-round Delphi study.SettingDelphi survey conducted online with 30 experts. Most experts worked in adult physical rehabilitation settings and were from Illinois (n=16), and the remaining participants were from 8 other US states or Canadian provinces.ParticipantsExperts (N=30) had a minimum of 2 publications on health care services for patients with LEP and/or a minimum of 5 years clinical experience in physical rehabilitation. Of 43 experts (11 researchers, 32 clinicians) who received the round 1 survey by e-mail, 30 returned complete responses (70% response rate). Of those, 25 completed round 2 and 24 completed round 3. Of round 1 participants, most (n =21) identified their primary professional activity as clinical, whereas the others worked in research (n =5) or education (n =4). Twenty-four were women. The median age was 43 years (range, 27-67y). Disciplines included occupational therapy (n =14), physical therapy (n =13), psychology (n=1), nursing (n=1), and medicine (n=1).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresIndicators were rated on a 7-point Likert scale for importance and feasibility. Interquartile range (IQR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for importance and feasibility ratings. Indicators with an IQR <2 and a median importance score ≥6 were accepted as reaching consensus for importance.ResultsRound 1 responses were categorized into 15 structural, 13 process, and 18 outcome indicators. All 15 structural indicators reached consensus for importance; 8 were rated as feasible. All 13 process indicators reached consensus, of which 8 were deemed feasible. Sixteen outcome indicators reached consensus, of which 7 were deemed feasible.ConclusionsThis Delphi study identified structural, process, and outcome indicators that can inform delivery and assessment of quality rehabilitation services for individuals with LEP. Future research should operationalize and measure these quality indicators in clinical practice.     

Media competencies for nurses: A Delphi study

BackgroundMedia raises awareness of important health issues, provides guidance to promote health, and shapes health policies. However, nurses are poorly represented in media.PurposeTo propose competencies that can be used to advance nurses’ knowledge and skills in using media to advance health.MethodsA Delphi study design of three successive surveys was employed. The Round 1 survey was sent to 70 nurse media leaders, and 28 (40%) responded. Seventeen respondents (61%) participated in Round 2. The Round 3 survey was not needed.DiscussionThese competencies provide direction for academia, healthcare organizations, nursing associations and others who seek to develop the leadership and population health skills of nurses. Ways the competencies can be used are outlined.ConclusionThere is an urgent need to improve population health outcomes by reducing disparities and promoting equity in health and health care. Media engagmeent is an importnat strategy for promoting population health. Additionally, promotion of better media representation of nurses and improved media engagement by nurses and nursing organizations all speak to the importance of advancing media competence.