Construction of emergency competency models for nurses in emerging high-consequence infectious disease outbreaks:...

Emerging high-consequence infectious disease outbreaks (EHCIDs) have significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses specialising in outbreak response nurses play an important role in the prevention and control of EHCIDs. However, the specific competencies required for these nurses remain undefined. This study aims to develop a competency model for nurses involved in managing EHCIDs, providing a foundation for the training and organisation of specialised nurse response teams.

We recruited a geographically stratified sample of nurses from tertiary hospitals in four representative regions of China (Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern) for this cross-sectional study, conducted from April 2021 to April 2023. Using the validated Behavioural Event Interview (BEI) methodology, we conducted qualitative research with 40 nurses from hospitals designated for COVID-19 treatment. Participants were asked to describe three successful scenarios and three challenging experiences they encountered during recent pandemic responses with semi-structured interviews. We analysed the qualitative data using an iterative constant comparison method, employing a three-phase coding process (open, axial, selective) facilitated by NVivo 12.0 software. This analysis culminated in an evidence-based competency model. To ensure the model's reliability and validity, we performed categorical consistency checks and synchronous cross-validity testing‌.

The study included 20 excellent nurses and 20 average nurses. We developed a tailored nursing competency model comprising 20 total competencies, categorised into core (6 competencies), critical (7 competencies), and foundational (7 competencies). Inter-coder reliability was robust, with Cohen's κ ranging from 0.741 to 0.830, and an overall agreement of 0.773. Significant differences in competency scores (p < 0.05) were noted between high-performing and adequately-performing nurses, particularly in core and critical competencies.

The competency model for outbreak response nursing is scientifically robust and practically applicable. It is particularly crucial for effective nursing management in the face of sudden and uncertain infectious disease outbreaks.