Research plan for developing trauma core competencies for nurses in Thailand

The aim of this research plan was identification and development of core competencies for emergency trauma nurses in Thailand. The research plan was undertaken in three phases. Phase I: a national survey of the critical dimensions of care; Phase II: development of a 64 item tool; and Phase III: efficiency study with emergency nurses representing Level-1, Regional, Community and Rural facilities. Six dimensions of competency were identified: cooperation, decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical knowledge with a content validity index (CVI) of 1.00 and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.98 (N=485 RNs in 29 hospitals). Analysis of the first year pilot study data using a 5 point likert scale (N=285 RNs in 16 hospitals), nurses rated themselves as 4.18 (SD=0.69) and their peers at 4.00 (SD=0.68). Head nurse evaluations averaged 3.98 (SD=0.55). ANOVA demonstrated no statistical significance (p=0.09) between groups. The results of the preliminary studies demonstrated appropriateness of the core competency items, but refinement is required prior to national distribution.