The aim of this research plan was identification and development of core competencies for emergency trauma nurses in Thailand. The research plan was undertaken in three phases. Phase I: a national survey of the critical dimensions of care; Phase II: development of a 64 item tool; and Phase III: efficiency study with emergency nurses representing Level-1, Regional, Community and Rural facilities. Six dimensions of competency were identified: cooperation, decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical knowledge with a content validity index (CVI) of 1.00 and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.98 (N=485 RNs in 29 hospitals). Analysis of the first year pilot study data using a 5 point likert scale (N=285 RNs in 16 hospitals), nurses rated themselves as 4.18 (SD=0.69) and their peers at 4.00 (SD=0.68). Head nurse evaluations averaged 3.98 (SD=0.55). ANOVA demonstrated no statistical significance (p=0.09) between groups. The results of the preliminary studies demonstrated appropriateness of the core competency items, but refinement is required prior to national distribution.
Analysis of Variance Attitude of Health Personnel