Articulating the unique competencies of admiral nurse practice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing a contemporary competency framework for admiral nurses in dementia care. Design/methodology/approach Information and evidence was gathered from research and policy literature regarding competencies to deliver advanced practice within dementia care. An online survey completed by 75 admiral nurses with follow-up interviews clarified current practice across the range of service contexts in which they work. A focus group (FG) of people living with dementia and family carers, and a reference group of practitioners helped to develop a competency framework which was refined through FGs with admiral nurses working in different areas. Findings The literature review, survey and interviews provided a framework grounded in up-to-date evidence and contemporary practice. There was broad agreement in the literature and the practitioners’ priorities regarding the core competencies of advanced practice, with constructive suggestions for making the framework useable in practice. This resulted in a robust framework articulating the competencies of admiral nurses which could be used for continuous professional development. Originality/value Engaging the admiral nurses ensured the competencies were contemporary, succinct and applicable within practice, and also cultivated a sense of ownership. Developing the competency framework with the admiral nurses not for them provides an approach which may have value for professionals undertaking a similar process in their specialist area. It is anticipated the competency framework will provide further evidence of the benefits of specialist nurse support for families affected by dementia.

Stakeholder Engagement in Competency Framework Development in Health Professions: A Systematic Review

“…In observation of practise, there were no studies that utilised observation of interactions between clinicians and patients. Authors reported including service users, such as patient representatives and carers, in the development process to ensure that the resulting competency framework encompassed the needs of patients, families and carers ( 7 , 9 , 57 ). Framed as “experts by experience,” Carter et al note that a focus group with service users helped to shape the content of the admiral nurse competency framework, based on their unique experience and expectations of care ( 57 ), though the sample was small ( n = 5).…”

“…Authors reported including service users, such as patient representatives and carers, in the development process to ensure that the resulting competency framework encompassed the needs of patients, families and carers ( 7 , 9 , 57 ). Framed as “experts by experience,” Carter et al note that a focus group with service users helped to shape the content of the admiral nurse competency framework, based on their unique experience and expectations of care ( 57 ), though the sample was small ( n = 5). Cashin et al ( 4 ) state that partnering with service users is fundamental to the development of standards for practise for registered nurses providing person-centred health care.…”

Does patient and public involvement influence the development of competency frameworks for the health professions? A systematic review

“…El-Haddad et al ( 11 ) demonstrated how patient involvement can both identify areas overlooked by clinicians and also complement their perspective. Other collaborative approaches included involvement in multiple stages of the development process such as competency statement generation and consensus techniques [example: ( 10 , 27 , 36 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 50 , 57 )] or inclusion in project references groups overseeing the progress of the whole development process [example: ( 10 , 23 , 25 , 36 , 37 )]. There was a lack of critical evaluation of these collaborative approaches making it difficult to determine the most effective way to use these methods in the future.…”

Assessment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in veterans with a diagnosis of dementia

“…Admiral Nurses are highly skilled practitioners who work at an advanced level of practice to provide specialist care and support to families affected by dementia, and they tend to manage the more complex of cases (Carter et al, 2018;Gridley et al, 2019). Admiral Nurses work within a range of different host organisations and settings, including hospitals, community teams, hospices, care homes and the charitable sector, and are supported in their ongoing professional development by Dementia UK.…”