Gillespie, B.M., & Hamlin, L. (2009). A synthesis of the literature on "Competence" as it applies to Perioperative Nursing. AORN Journal, 90(2), 245-248.
This interesting article, written by two Australian nurses, puts a global perspective on the concept of perioperative competence. A synthesis of current (2000-2008) literature provided additional meaning to the currently accepted definition.
The authors describe the methodology of their study in enough detail that the study could be replicated. Using well-respected search engines, a total of 21 research papers were chosen and emerging themes explicated. These papers are listed clearly in a table which provides information on authors, descriptions of sample size, designs, instruments, key findings, and conceptual domain.
Two conceptual domains of competence surfaced during analysis of the literature: specialized knowledge, which includes empirical (scientific), practical, and aesthetic, or caring, knowledge, and human factors. The authors make a point of underscoring how important these human factors (e.g. teamwork, communication, leadership, and clinical coordination) are in preventing patient errors. Communication errors and tension among members of the team were specifically noted in three of the 9 papers with a human factor focus.
Although the table provides excellent information on the selected papers, the authors make no attempt to categorize, classify, or organize the data in order to come to any sort of conclusion as to the effect of demographics or domain on the definition of competence. The authors close with a recommendation that a self-assessment tool be developed to measure perioperative nurses’ perceived competence. Existing tools, such as CCI’s Perceived Value of Certification tool (PVCT)©, could possibly serve as a template, and would provide further validation of the link between competence and certification.
Note The Perceived Value of Certification tool© may be used with permission from CCI.Further information and permission to use the PVCT© may be obtained by contacting CCI at info@cc-institute.org, or at (888) 257-2667.
