1. Development of a competency framework for advanced practice nurses : A co-design process
- Author
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Van Hecke, Ann, Decoene, Elsie, Embo, Mieke, Beeckman, Dimitri, Bergs, Jochen, Courtens, Annelies, Dancot, Jacinthe, Dobbels, Fabienne, Goossens, Goddelieve Alice, Jacobs, Noortje, Van Achterberg, Theo, Van Bogaert, Peter, Van Durme, Thérèse, Verhaeghe, Sofie, Vlaeyen, Ellen, Goossens, Eva, Van Hecke, Ann, Decoene, Elsie, Embo, Mieke, Beeckman, Dimitri, Bergs, Jochen, Courtens, Annelies, Dancot, Jacinthe, Dobbels, Fabienne, Goossens, Goddelieve Alice, Jacobs, Noortje, Van Achterberg, Theo, Van Bogaert, Peter, Van Durme, Thérèse, Verhaeghe, Sofie, Vlaeyen, Ellen, and Goossens, Eva
- Abstract
AIMS: The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive competency framework for advanced practice nurses in Belgium. DESIGN: A co-design development process was conducted. METHODS: This study consisted of two consecutive stages (November 2020-December 2021): (1) developing a competency framework for advanced practice nurses in Belgium by the research team, based on literature and (2) group discussions or interviews with and written feedback from key stakeholders. 11 group discussions and seven individual interviews were conducted with various stakeholder groups with a total of 117 participants. RESULTS: A comprehensive competency framework containing 31 key competencies and 120 enabling competencies was developed based on the Canadian Medical Education Directions for Specialists Competency Framework. These competencies were grouped into seven roles: clinical expert and therapist, organizer of quality care and leader in innovation, professional and clinical leader, collaborator, researcher, communicator and health promoter. CONCLUSION: The developed competency framework has resemblance to other international frameworks. This framework emphasized the independent role of the advanced practice nurse and provided guidance in a clear task division and delegation to other professionals. It can provide a solid foundation for delivering high-quality, patient-centred care by advanced practice nurses in the years to come. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: This competency framework can guide further development of advanced practice nursing education in Belgium and represents a starting point for future evaluation of its feasibility and usability in education and clinical practice. Advanced practice nurses and healthcare managers can also use the framework as an instrument for personal and professional development, performance appraisal, and further alignment of these function profiles in clinical practice. Finally, this framework can inform and guide policymakers towards lega
- Published
- 2024
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