Ann Van Hecke1,2, Régine Goemaes1, Sofie Verhaeghe1,3, Wim Beyers4, Elsie Decoene5, Dimitri Beeckman1,6,7,8. 1. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 2. Nursing Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. 3. Department Health Care, VIVES University College, Roeselare, Belgium. 4. Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 5. Cancer Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. 6. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 7. School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. 8. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland.
Abstract
AIM: To explore the practice profile and competencies of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and midwives (AMPs), and factors associated with task non-execution. BACKGROUND: Advanced practitioner roles are increasingly implemented internationally. Unofficial role introduction led to confusion regarding task performance. Studies examining associations between APNs'/AMPs' task performance and competency levels, and factors associated with task non-execution are lacking. METHOD: A cross-sectional study among APNs/AMPs in Flanders (Belgium) explored tasks and competencies in seven domains: clinical/professional leadership, change management/innovation, research, clinical expertise/guidance/coaching, consultation/consultancy, multidisciplinary cooperation/care coordination and ethical decision-making. Task performance and competency level frequencies were calculated. Regression analysis identified factors associated with task non-execution on domain/item level. RESULTS: Participants (n = 63) executed tasks in all domains. Task non-execution related to research and clinical expertise was associated with work setting; task non-execution regarding care coordination and ethical decision-making was associated with competency perception. Several tasks were performed by few APNs/AMPs despite many feeling competent. Five of ten tasks performed by fewest participants belonged to the leadership domain. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MANAGEMENT: Supervisors could play an important part in APNs'/AMPs' role development, especially regarding leadership and tasks executed by few participants. Future studies should provide in-depth knowledge on task non-execution.
AIM: To explore the practice profile and competencies of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and midwives (AMPs), and factors associated with task non-execution. BACKGROUND: Advanced practitioner roles are increasingly implemented internationally. Unofficial role introduction led to confusion regarding task performance. Studies examining associations between APNs'/AMPs' task performance and competency levels, and factors associated with task non-execution are lacking. METHOD: A cross-sectional study among APNs/AMPs in Flanders (Belgium) explored tasks and competencies in seven domains: clinical/professional leadership, change management/innovation, research, clinical expertise/guidance/coaching, consultation/consultancy, multidisciplinary cooperation/care coordination and ethical decision-making. Task performance and competency level frequencies were calculated. Regression analysis identified factors associated with task non-execution on domain/item level. RESULTS:Participants (n = 63) executed tasks in all domains. Task non-execution related to research and clinical expertise was associated with work setting; task non-execution regarding care coordination and ethical decision-making was associated with competency perception. Several tasks were performed by few APNs/AMPs despite many feeling competent. Five of ten tasks performed by fewest participants belonged to the leadership domain. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MANAGEMENT: Supervisors could play an important part in APNs'/AMPs' role development, especially regarding leadership and tasks executed by few participants. Future studies should provide in-depth knowledge on task non-execution.