A Delphi study to validate an advanced practice nursing tool.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is a report of a study conducted to validate an instrument for measuring advanced practice nursing role delineation in an international contemporary health service context using the Delphi technique.


BACKGROUND
Although most countries now have clear definitions and competency standards for nurse practitioners, no such clarity exists for many advanced practice nurse roles, leaving healthcare providers uncertain whether their service needs can or should be met by an advanced practice nurse or a nurse practitioner. The validation of a tool depicting advanced practice nursing is essential for the appropriate deployment of advanced practice nurses. This paper is the second in a three-phase study to develop an operational framework for assigning advanced practice nursing roles.


METHODS
An expert panel was established to review the activities in the Strong Model of Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool. Using the Delphi technique, data were collected via an on-line survey through a series of iterative rounds in 2008. Feedback and statistical summaries of responses were distributed to the panel until the 75% consensus cut-off was obtained.


RESULTS
After three rounds and modification of five activities, consensus was obtained for validation of the content of this tool.


CONCLUSIONS
The Strong Model of Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool is valid for depicting the dimensions of practice of the advanced practice role in an international contemporary health service context thereby having the potential to optimize the utilization of the advanced practice nursing workforce.
Chang
Anne M
AM
Institute for Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia. am.chang@qut.edu.au
Gardner
Glenn E
GE
Duffield
Christine
C
Ramis
Mary-Anne
MA
D000328:Adult; D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D055815:Young Adult