Task Profiles of Academically Qualified Psychiatric Nurses in Germany: Results of a Cluster Analysis

As little clarity exists regarding the roles of academically qualified nurses in Germany it is not certain that nurses who call themselves "nursing experts" actually perform the tasks of a nursing expert or APN. An important aspect of the present "Study on the situation of academically qualified nurses in psychiatric care contexts in Germany" (AkaPP study) was therefore to identify profiles or clusters based on the tasks and activities performed by academically qualified psychiatric nurses in Germany.

To identify possible clusters of academically qualified psychiatric nurses working in direct care practice, nursing development or nursing research positions in relation to their self-described tasks and activities.

Data were collected via an online survey between August and November 2020. The target group of the study was academically qualified nurses in Germany working in a psychiatric-psychosocial healthcare institution. The group of interest for the analysis was the subgroup of nurses in a "direct care and scientific nursing role" (academically qualified nurses working in direct patient care, nursing development or nursing research positions; n = 105 valid cases). A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out using the Ward method on the basis of the tasks and activities described by the participants in the questionnaire. The identified clusters were described in terms of descriptive statistics against the background of previously defined content characteristics and compared for noticeable differences. Reporting was performed according to the STROBE checklist.

Cluster analysis revealed the following seven clusters of academically prepared nurses: (1) Practice Development and Consultative Expertise, (2) Basic Nursing Practice, (3) Advanced Practice Development and Nursing Research, (4) Specialised and Expanded Psychiatric Nursing Practice, (5) Basic Psychiatric Nursing Practice, (6) Direct Patient Care and Basic Practice Development and (7) Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice.

The clusters identified provide a nuanced understanding of the roles of graduate psychiatric nurses in Germany. This insight helps to tailor staffing structures and training programs to the needs of psychiatric care settings. By delineating distinct role profiles, healthcare institutions and policymakers can optimise resource allocation, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This research provides guidance for refining clinical practice models and promoting professional development in psychiatric nursing contexts.