Development of a Primary Palliative Nursing Care Competence Model and Assessment Tool: A Mixed-Methods Study

AIM The purpose of this study was to develop a new primary palliative nursing care (PPNC) competence model and assessment tool. BACKGROUND Consensus guidelines, a national position statement, and new nursing program accreditation standards require nurses to be educated in providing PPNC. A means to assess PPNC competence for prelicensure nursing students and entry-level nurses is needed. METHOD The mixed-methods study utilized a three-phase design encompassing in-depth document analysis and expert workgroups; focus groups with palliative care educators, practitioners, and administrators; and stakeholder focus groups. RESULTS Findings across all phases resulted in development of a PPNC competence model and assessment tool, each composed of nine domains and associated competency statements. CONCLUSION There is a global imperative for nurses to provide high-quality PPNC. Both the model and assessment tool are vital to develop a nursing workforce with the skills to care for persons with serious illness and their families.