Development of a competency tool for adult trained nurses caring for people with intellectual disabilities

To develop and test a competency assessment tool for adult trained nurses caring for people with intellectual disabilities in hospital.

The report 'Death by indifference' in 2007 highlighted inadequate care given to people with intellectual disabilities in hospital. This study sought to develop and test a competency assessment tool for adult trained nurses in the care of this patient group.

A review of the literature informed the topic guide for focus groups (n = 4) with experienced adult trained nurses, learning disability nurses and people with intellectual disabilities (n = 25). Expert interviews (n = 29) were conducted to identify emergent themes. A draft competency assessment tool was reviewed by an expert panel (n = 5) and tested within a convenience sample (n = 34; response rate 28%) at a local district general hospital across several clinical specialities.

The participants considered themselves to be either 'novice' or 'competent' across most items. The tool was then redrafted and minor amendments made. 'Little or no knowledge' or 'novice' was reported in areas such as consent, diagnostic overshadowing and management of self harm.

Use of the competency assessment tool will support assessment of current levels of knowledge and skills and inform educational provision of the workforce.

Use of the competency assessment tool will inform nursing management of skill levels and educational need.