Nurses' viewpoints on nursing competencies during epidemics: A Q methodology study

Epidemics create chaotic situations in health services. Understanding different perspectives about nursing competencies during epidemics can help designing better educational and interventional programs to prepare nurses for future epidemics. The aim of the present study was to investigate nurses' perspectives on required competencies of nurses during epidemics using Q methodology.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted using Q methodology and carried out from September 2023 to February 2024 in general hospital of Kashan, IRAN. Twenty-four nurses who were involved in management of COVID-19 patients were recruited to the study by purposive sampling. Participants sorted 72 statements from -6 to + 6 that showed their viewpoints about the least to the most important required nursing competencies during epidemics. The Q factor analysis was used to cluster the distinguished viewpoints with PQ-Method 2.35 and KADE software using centroid factor analysis and Varimax rotation.

Considering eigenvalues and factor loadings, the 3-factor solution was recognized as the best fit for the data that represented 3 viewpoints of competencies related to working in ICUs, competencies related to infection control and basic skills, and competencies based on dedication and working beyond the routine duties.

This study showed that nurses require wide range of competencies during epidemics such as ability to work in ICUs, basic nursing skills, and working in hard conditions. Nurses have different viewpoints about the importance of these competencies. These viewpoints can help nurse managers and instructors to prepare nurses for future epidemics.