Developing a Competency Model for Nurses Certified in Infection Control in Japan

Abstract

Background: In July 2019, 2,793 nurses were registered as certified nurse in infection control (CNIC) at the Japanese Nursing Association (JNA). Most CNICs work as full-time infection preventionists (IPs) in hospitals. However, a competency model for CNICs has not been developed in Japan yet. Therefore, we developed a competency model for CNICs. Methods: We conducted a 2-phase explanatory sequential mixed-methods study between November 2013 and October 2019. The participants were 1,711 CNICs listed on the JNA website. Phase 1 was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires that included 10 competency domains based on the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Competency Assessment Tool. Considering years of experience as an IP and full-time position, participants’ career stages were novice, competent, proficient, and expert. The CNICs who answered the questionnaire were included in the interview during phase 2, which was a descriptive qualitative study. Specifically, 10–30 participants were selected from each career stage. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed qualitatively. The knowledge, skills, and abilities of CNICs were extracted at each career stage. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Juntendo University (approval no. 25-27). Results: During phase 1, 1,711 CNICs were invited to participate: 975 returned the questionnaire (57% response rate) and 969 (99.3%) responses were valid and used in the analysis. Only 257 participants agreed to attend the interviews. In phase 2, interviews were conducted with 67 CNICs: 30 novice, 20 competent, 13 proficient, and 4 expert. The mean years of experience as a nurse and CNIC were 22.2 (SD, 7.0) and 5.3 (SD, 3.1), respectively. As the career stage advanced, the contents and range of infection prevention role and activities in the hospital or community expanded across competency domains. In clarification of infection process, one of the crucial competencies, the novice needed to consult reference material about the infectious disease each time due to lack of knowledge. Although the competent CNICs understood the frequent occurrence of infectious disease, they needed the specialist’s advice. However, the proficient and expert CNICs could interpret information independently, and importantly, expert CNICs could distinguish between what they know and do not know. Conclusions: Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, we developed a competency model for CNICs that may encourage CNICs to develop their expertise and that is useful in assessing the qualities or abilities of CNICs. In the future, this model can be used to develop systematic educational programs for CNICs.

Funding: This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI.

Disclosures: None