Core Curriculum for Italian OR Scrub Nurses: An eDelphi Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Perioperative Nursing
• Healthcare Standards

Background:

• No national curriculum for scrub nurses (SNs) in Italy leads to inconsistent training and practice.
• Variability exists in role expectations and competency assessment among Italian healthcare institutions.
• Standardization is crucial for effective perioperative nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify core competencies for Italian scrub nurses.
• To define timeframes for achieving these competencies in clinical practice.
• To establish a framework for standardized SN education in Italy.

Main Methods:

• A multiphase eDelphi study was conducted with 35 expert perioperative nurses.
• A framework based on the European Operating Room Nurses Association Core Curriculum was utilized.
• Two rounds of surveys and expert discussions were employed to reach consensus.

Main Results:

• Panelists reviewed 113 competencies, retaining 79 core competencies relevant to Italian OR nursing.
• Consensus was achieved on indicative timeframes for competency attainment.
• High internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.95) was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a foundation for competency-based education for SNs in Italy.
• It supports role transition and aims to enhance consistency in SN training.
• Implementation can lead to improved perioperative nursing standards across Italian healthcare.