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Van Hecke A, Decoene E, Embo M, Beeckman D, Bergs J, Courtens A, Dancot J, Dobbels F, Goossens GA, Jacobs N, Van Achterberg T, Van Bogaert P, Van Durme T, Verhaeghe S, Vlaeyen E, Goossens E. Development of a competency framework for advanced practice nurses: A co-design process. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38586883 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
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 legal recognition of advanced practice nursing in Belgium and inspire the development of advanced practice nursing profiles in countries where these profiles are still emerging. IMPACT What problem did the study address? The absence of a detailed competency framework for advanced practice nurses complicates legal recognition, role clarification and implementation in practice in Belgium. A rigorously developed competency framework could clarify which competencies to integrate in future advanced practice nursing education, mentorship programs and practice. What were the main findings? The competency framework outlined seven roles for advanced practice nurses: clinical expert and therapist, organizer of quality care and leader in innovation, professional and clinical leader, collaborator, researcher, communicator, and health promoter. Differentiation from other expert nursing profiles and clinical autonomy of advanced practice nurses were pivotal. Where and on whom will the research have impact? The comprehensive competency framework for advanced practice nurses and the collaborative methodology used can inspire other countries where these profiles are still emerging. The competency framework can be used as an instrument for role clarification, performance appraisals, continuous professional development, and professional (e-)portfolios. The competency framework can guide policymakers when establishing Belgian's legal framework for advanced practice nurses. REPORTING METHOD The authors have adhered to CONFERD-HP: recommendations for reporting COmpeteNcy FramEwoRk Development in health professions. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution in the design of the study. A patient advisory panel commented on the developed competency framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Van Hecke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Staff Member Centre of Expertise in Nursing, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elsie Decoene
- Staff Member Centre of Expertise in Nursing, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mieke Embo
- Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and Expertise Network Health and Care, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Beeckman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Swedish Center for Skin and Wound Research (SCENTR), Nursing Science Unit, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jochen Bergs
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of PXL-Healthcare, Center for Healthcare Innovation, PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Jacinthe Dancot
- Nursing Department, Haute École Robert Schuman, Libramont, Belgium
- Public Health Sciences Department, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Dobbels
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Goddelieve Alice Goossens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Nursing Center of Excellence, University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Noortje Jacobs
- Research Unit Health Promotion, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Theo Van Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Bogaert
- Center for Research and Innovation in Care, Department of Midwifery and Nursing Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thérèse Van Durme
- Institute of Health and Society, UC Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Sofie Verhaeghe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Vlaeyen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Goossens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Research and Innovation in Care, Department of Midwifery and Nursing Sciences, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Patient Care, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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