Developing a Competency Assessment Index System for Hematology Nurses in China: Delphi Study Insights

Abstract

Purpose: Patient management, care, and education are influenced by the core competencies of hematology nurses. Nurse specialists enhance patient safety and nursing care quality. However, no study has constructed an index of core competence assessment for hematology nurses.

Design: In this study, a literature review, theoretical analysis, and group discussion were performed to construct the core competency evaluation index system for hematology nurses.

Methods: Twenty-six experts from 7 provinces and cities across China were selected by purposive sampling for 2 rounds of Delphi expert consultation, and the indicators were selected based on the mean importance score >3.5 and coefficient of variation <0.25. A precedence chart determined the indicator weights at all levels.

Results: The evaluation index included 6 primary, 18 secondary, and 70 tertiary indicators. The positive coefficients of the questionnaire on the 2 rounds were 100% and 92.86%. The Kendall's harmony coefficients for indicators at all levels were 0.176 to 0.461 and 0.197 to 0.220. Experts' familiarity, judgment, and authority coefficients were 0.892, 0.871, and 0.882, respectively.

Conclusions: The evaluation index system may provide references for the training, curriculum setting, assessment, and qualification certification of hematology nurses.