Postcompetency Index System for Assessing Pain Resource Nurses’ Competence: A Delphi Study

Abstract

Objective

The aim was to establish a competency index system for pain resource nurses (PRNs) in China.

Background

PRNs play a crucial role in enhancing pain management in Chinese hospitals. Their professional competence significantly impacts the quality of pain management in the hospital. However, a clear evaluation system for assessing the abilities of PRNs is lacking. Establishing a scientific and systematic evaluation system for nurse competencies is essential for selection, training, and assessment within hospitals.

Methods

Utilizing the iceberg competency model, a competency index for PRNs was developed through literature analysis and semistructured interviews. Two rounds of Delphi consultations were conducted with 19 experts in pain management and medical psychology from 12 provinces in China to establish competency indicators and weight values.

Results

After the Delphi consultations, the postcompetency index system for PRNs comprised 5 primary indices, 15 secondary indices, and 51 tertiary indices. The primary indices include professional theoretical knowledge, practical skills, job execution ability, professional development, and professional attitudes. The effective response rates for the two Delphi rounds were 100% and 84.2%, respectively. The authority coefficient values were 0.89 and 0.91, respectively. The Kendall harmony coefficients for expert opinions were 0.155, 0.212, and 0.188, and 0.524, 0.267, and 0.302 across levels, with statistical significance (p < .05) after consistency testing.

Conclusions

The postcompetency index system for PRNs developed in this study is reliable and scientifically grounded. It provides an objective quantitative basis for training and evaluating PRNs.