Development and validation of a competency evaluation index system for nurse endoscopists with different stages...

The advancement of endoscopic techniques has resulted in an increasing need for comprehensive competency in endoscopy nursing. However, there is currently no unified competency evaluation index system for nurse endoscopists in China.

To develop and validate of a competency evaluation index system for nurse endoscopists with different stages performing endoscopy nursing in China.

A modified Delphi study.

Data were collected in a medical university affiliated hospital.

A total of 569 participants in different fields were included at various phases of this research.

The preliminary indicators were designed after conducting a literature review, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Two rounds of correspondence with 30 experts using the Delphi method were conducted to evaluate the content of the index followed by reliability and validity tests. The competency evaluation index system for nurse endoscopists at different stages was developed through expert meetings based on the Delphi consultation results according to the novice-to-expert model.

After two rounds of Delphi method consultation, we have established 4 first-level indicators ('Cognitive skill', 'Practice professional skills', 'Professional development skills' and 'Personal characteristics and inner qualities') and 21 s-level indicators, which are the detailed description of first-level indicators. According to the index weight analysis, the four first-level indicators are ranked from the largest to the smallest as practical professional skills, cognitive skills, professional development skills, personal characteristics and intrinsic qualities. Three different stages of nurse endoscopists competency evaluation forms and criteria were developed: primary stage (New skilled), intermediate stage (Capable) and advanced stage (Expert).

The establishment of a competency evaluation index system based on the novice-to-expert model can accurately assess competency levels and help to effectively train the nurse endoscopists at different stages. Future research should focus on imbedding these competencies in nurse education.