Construction of a Core Competency Evaluation Index System for Emergency and Critical Care Among Community Nurses

BACKGROUND: Community nurses are essential in providing healthcare services, including emergency and critical care. Assessing their competencies in managing acute and critical illnesses is crucial for ensuring quality care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a scientifically validated evaluation index system to assess the core competencies of community nurses in treating acute and critical illnesses. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science to identify key competency indicators. Semi-structured interviews were held with community nurses, physicians, and nursing managers from seven Shanghai community health centers to refine these indicators. Two rounds of Delphi consultations involving 15 experts were conducted to finalize the system. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assign weights to the indicators and ensure consistency. RESULTS: The final evaluation index system consists of three first-level indicators (treatment knowledge, treatment skills, and treatment attitude), nine second-level indicators, and 43 third-level indicators. The system is structured scientifically, with a reasonable weight distribution for each indicator, providing a standardized framework for assessing community nurses' emergency and critical care competencies. CONCLUSION: The developed evaluation index system aligns with China's healthcare needs and social development. It serves as a reliable reference for the assessment, training, and certification of community nurses, contributing to the improvement of emergency and critical care services at the community level.