Development and Evaluation of Precision Health Competencies

To develop precision health (PH) competencies and evaluate their comprehensiveness and fit into nursing practice.

A modified e-Delphi technique was used to gather perceptions and achieve consensus on the inaugural set of PH domains, competency statements and sub-competencies developed by a workgroup formed under the aegis of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

A set of PH competencies and sub-competencies was developed by the ANA workgroup, beginning with a literature review, followed by a multi-step work process of the group over 3 years (2022-2025). Then, a modified e-Delphi technique was conducted via a four-point Likert scale Qualtrics survey, using a purposive sample of PH experts. The respondents were asked to agree or disagree with each competency or sub-competency statement and suggest modifications. The threshold of concordance was set at 80%.

The ANA workgroup reached consensus on six domains, six competency statements and 43 sub-competency statements to represent PH in nursing practice in its entirety. Forty experts in the field evaluated and offered revisions to the final 44 sub-competencies that represent the knowledge and skills necessary for PH in general nursing practice. A majority of the competency statements obtained favourable agreement from the expert panel, and a typical pattern of convergence was observed over two rounds of evaluation.

The development of PH competencies is the essential first step in the attempt to integrate PH into nursing practice.

The competency statements will inform nursing curricula, clinical practice guidelines, funding opportunities and role expectations in all healthcare settings.

This work sets the stage for subsequent interprofessional practice initiatives and research exploring how these competencies influence patient outcomes, workforce readiness and the practical integration of advanced technologies into precise care.