| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction. Nurses need to assess their professional competencies in order to reflect on and improve their practice. As of 1 January 2024, a new Competence Framework introduced. The competences of the Lithuanian nurse‘s are expanding. Nurses have the opportunity to provide outpatient consultations to patients. It is therefore important to assess the professional competences of nurses providing outpatient services in order to determine the preparedness of nurses to provide independent outpatient nursing consultations. The aim of the study was to analyse the professional competence of nurses in providing outpatient nurse consultations. Methods and Materials. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were applied. For the quantitative study, we used Meretoja's (2004) Nurse Competence Scale. For the qualitative research using an interview questionnaire developed by the author, supervisor and consultant. The research took place between 26 March and 26 April 2024. The sample was nurses working in primary health care settings and providing outpatient nurse consultations (9 nurses for the qualitative study). For the quantitative study (147 nurses), nurses from 2 primary health care settings. Confidentiality and anonymity of the data were ensured during the research. Results. Overall, nurses working in primary health care settings were found to rate their competence as very good. Among nurses working in two facilities, the competences of the teaching-instruction and support role groups are the best, while the competences of the therapeutic interventions group are the worst. Nurses at the Y clinic rated their competences best. As far as outpatient consultations are concerned, it can be said that nurses are already prepared to provide this level of consultation, but they still lack the knowledge and skills, and specific professional development courses to explain each point of the new legislation. Conclusions. The level of professional competence of nurses providing primary care services is good or very good. The predominant competences of nurses in primary care are teaching-instruction and support roles. Nurses providing outpatient consultations rate their competence as good, indicating that they are competent, but they state that they still lack information on updated competences, rights and duties. Nurses need additional refresher courses or lectures, additional information, involvement of doctors, and joint team meetings in order to provide quality outpatient consultations. Recommendations. Focus on improving nurses' competences, organise courses and trainings to explain the new legal requirements. Involve doctors in this process, organise team meetings, share their knowledge and experience with each other. |
