Core competencies among nurses engaged in pallative care: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Palliative Care
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• Core competencies are crucial for nurses providing palliative care.
• Existing literature on these competencies requires synthesis to inform practice and education.
• Understanding the current status and influencing factors is essential for improving end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize available evidence regarding the core competencies of nurses in palliative care.
• To identify assessment instruments and influencing factors related to these competencies.
• To provide an overview of the current landscape of palliative care nursing competencies.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework.
• Systematic searches were performed across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, etc.) up to December 2023.
• Data charting and selection were independently performed by two researchers.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six studies were included, examining assessment tools, competency status, and influencing factors.
• The Palliative Care Core Competence Questionnaire was frequently used for assessment.
• Most studies reported moderate levels of nurses' palliative care core competencies, influenced by sociodemographic, educational, and experiential factors.

Conclusions:

• Clinical nursing leaders should develop targeted strategies to enhance nurses' palliative care competencies.
• Validated assessment instruments are available, but enhancement programs are needed to improve end-of-life care quality.
• Continuous professional development is vital for equipping nurses to support patients and families.