A synthesis of the literature on "competence" as it applies to perioperative nursing.

Full Abstract

Perioperative competence is an eclectic concept that has been difficult to define and even more difficult to measure. Competence has been described in relation to standards of practice with little emphasis placed on its interpersonal aspects. This article presents a synthesis of the literature focused on perioperative nurse competence. Although specialized knowledge in the form of technical proficiency is important, it is no longer the only indicator of perioperative competence. The findings in this synthesis attest to the increased awareness and emphasis given to human factors--recognition that teamwork, communication, coordination, and leadership also affect human performance. Based on these findings, the next important step would be to develop and test these categories of competence empirically.

Author information

Author/s: Gillespie, Brigid Mary (BM); Hamlin, Lois (L);

Affiliation: Griffith University Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, School of Nursing, Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: AORN journal (AORN J), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 90 (issue 2) : pp 245-58

Dates: Created 2009/08/11; Completed 2009/10/27;

PMID: 19664414, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/27/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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