Core competencies and perceived training needs of nurses in the background of Internet plus nursing service: a qualitative descriptive study†

Abstract

Abstract Background The Internet plus nursing service program is being piloted in China, which has become a new home nursing service model led by nurses. To enable safe and effective homecare service delivery, nurses working in the program need a high level of competency. However, the content of these core competencies and the training needs of nurses for Internet plus nursing services are still unknown. Aim To describe nurses’ perceptions of core competencies and training needs to work in the Internet plus nursing service program, thereby providing a reference for the development of training programs. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 15 nurses with experience of working in the Internet plus nursing service program. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Core competencies involved comprehensive assessment competence, direct care practice competence, health education and consulting competence, risk estimation and response competence, and communication competence. Training needs involved complex operational items, knowledge of chronic disease management, professional communication, risk identification and response, nursing standards, norms, and procedures, and utilization of information technology. Conclusions The training system may be developed based on nurses’ core competencies and their training needs to promote professional development of the Internet plus nursing service.