Using the Delphi technique to identify the content and context of nurses' continuing professional development needs

Area of Science:

• Nursing Professional Development
• Healthcare Workforce Education
• Clinical Practice Improvement

Background:

• Identifying and prioritizing development needs for medical and surgical nurses is crucial for effective healthcare.
• Understanding learning approaches and contextual factors is essential for successful professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize development needs of medical and surgical nurses.
• To explore their learning approaches and influencing contextual factors.
• To inform targeted professional development strategies.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi survey methodology was employed.
• A panel of 28 participants was utilized.
• Iterative feedback was gathered to reach consensus.

Main Results:

• Key development needs include essential clinical care, specialist skills, role adaptation, patient management, and research.
• Nurses anticipate future role diversification and emphasize the need for adaptability and maintaining expertise.
• Organizational climate supporting integrated learning is as valuable as formal training; lack of time, resources, and support are barriers.

Conclusions:

• Professional and practice development activities can be effectively prioritized using this method.
• Fostering an organizational climate that integrates development into daily practice is vital.
• The Delphi survey method is adaptable for use in various healthcare settings.