Development of a core competency assessment framework for frontline nurses responding to infectious disease...

The aim of this study was to develop a scientifically grounded core competency assessment framework for frontline nurses engaged in infectious disease emergency response.

An initial index system for evaluating core competencies was formulated through a comprehensive review of the literature and structured group discussions. The Delphi method was used to conduct two rounds of expert consultation between August and November 2024, involving 18 experts in the field.

The expert response rate was 100% in both consultation rounds. The authority coefficients for the experts were 0.886 and 0.953 for the first and second rounds, respectively. Coefficients of variation ranged from 0 to 0.357 in the first round and from 0 to 0.115 in the second. The Kendall's concordance coefficients for the first to fourth-level indicators were 0.222, 0.210, 0.330, and 0.339 in the first round, and 0.325, 0.307, 0.389, and 0.374 in the second round. The finalized framework consisted of 3 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators, 42 third-level indicators, and 106 fourth-level indicators.

The resulting core competency assessment framework demonstrates scientific rigor and comprehensiveness. It offers a practical reference for the selection and training of primary care nursing personnel during infectious disease emergencies and supports the development of emergency nursing teams coordinated by regional medical centers.