The Development of a Tool to Measure QSEN Competencies

Ramsey, Rachel A.

Tuesday, 19 November 2013: 8:30 AM

Rachel A. Ramsey, MS, BSN¹
Susan Lynne Ahrens, Ph.D.²
Cheryl L. Rockwell, MSN, BSN, RN³
Katrina J. Kessler, Ms, BS, RN²
(1)Nursing, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
(2)Department of Nursing, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN
(3)Department of Nursing, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN

Learning Objective 1: Analyze the processes used to develop the QSEN Competencies

Learning Objective 2: Discuss the ways in which the clinical faculty can use the tool during clinical experiences to measure student QSEN Competencies.

In response to the IOM’s call for change in health care education, the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Project established six competencies to help nurse educators design curricula. The faculty at one Midwestern University had incorporated these competencies in their program at all levels, but recognized an assessment tool was needed to evaluate students’ clinical performances related to these competencies. The presentation that follows will discuss a simulation project that resulted in the development of the QSEN Competency Assessment Tool (QSEN-CAT).

While students participated in an extended two-hour simulated clinical experience, faculty observers recorded clinical behaviors that demonstrated patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, safety, and informatics skills. After the project was completed, faculty identified clinical behaviors that reflected the QSEN competencies. The clinical behaviors were used to develop specific criteria on which to assess students in clinical or simulated experiences. The resulting tool allows faculty to record if students consistently, inconsistently, or never performed specific behaviors related to each competency. The presenters will discuss the development of the assessment tool in detail and provide participants with a draft of the tool, the QSEN-CAT.

The competencies and definitions developed by QSEN provide an excellent basis for the development of assessment tools to measure nursing student competency. The QSEN-CAT will be tested in an upcoming study to determine reliability and validity. If reliable and valid, this tool can eventually be used with confidence to measure students’ abilities in meeting QSEN competencies during clinical experiences.

See more of: Using Simulation in Novel Ways to Teach Patient Safety (QSEN) and Understand the Student Experience
See more of: Symposia: Clinical Sessions