Development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Practitioner Minimum Data Set (DNP NP MDS).

While the number of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs has grown steadily, there is limited data on how national organizations are collecting data on DNP-prepared nurse practitioners (NPs) and no standard instrument exists to collect data on DNP-prepared NPs. The purpose of this study was to develop a universal minimum data set (MDS) for the DNP-prepared NP population. Instrument development consisted of several sequential stages, including conceptualization and item generation, preliminary evaluation of items, field testing the survey, and analysis of scale development data. A set of 16 core variables and 19 additional variables were developed to collect standardized data on the demographics, education, and practice patterns of DNP-prepared NPs. Pilot testing revealed high correlations between the activities DNP-prepared NPs are prepared for and typically participate in a typical workweek and in their career. The MDS demonstrated high reliability in our sample. The DNP NP MDS can be used for data collection by various stakeholders, including national organizations, to facilitate improved tracking of outcome data for the DNP-prepared NP workforce. It can also provide data-driven support for the need and significance of the DNP degree for NPs. • A minimum data set is needed for Doctor of Nursing Practice nurse practitioners. • Collecting data on Doctor of Nursing Practice nurse practitioners improves tracking. • Instrument development included item generation, field testing, and data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]