Instruments for measuring nursing research competence: a COSMIN-based scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Health Measurement
• Scoping Review Methodology

Background:

• A growing number of nursing research competence instruments exist.
• A comprehensive evaluation of these instruments is currently lacking.
• This study addresses the need for a systematic review and evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and summarize the measurement properties of nursing research competence instruments.
• To provide an overview of how these instruments are currently used.
• To guide the selection of appropriate instruments for assessing nurses' research competence.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Searched eight English and two Chinese databases.
• Utilized the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology for quality assessment.

Main Results:

• Ten studies involving eight nursing research competence instruments were included.
• No single instrument has comprehensively assessed all measurement properties.
• 177 empirical studies have used nursing research competence instruments with tested properties.

Conclusions:

• The 'Self-evaluated Nursing Research Capacity of Questionnaire (refined)' is identified as the most suitable existing instrument.
• Further research is required to fully evaluate the measurement properties of current instruments.
• Findings can inform instrument selection and the development of interventions to enhance nursing research competence.