Paper
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
This presentation is part of : Leadership to Create an Evidence-Based Environment
NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) Based Competency Assessment Model for Evidence-Based Practice
Mary B. Killeen, RN, PhD, CNAA, Division of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Programs, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Learning Objective #1: Describe a proposed evidence-based practice "indirect care" NIC (Nursing Intervention Classification)
Learning Objective #2: Discuss the usefulness of evidence-based competency assessment modules (entry and ongoing levels) to nurse managers

The STTI Arista report, Nurses and Health: A Global Future (2003) concluded that one role in which nurses could make the strongest contribution to health world-wide is the delivery of evidence-based care. The need exists for a model of competency assessment that validates the knowledge, values, and actions of professional nurses in the area of evidence-based practice.

The author developed a competency assessment model for entry level graduates of associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs and for experienced nurses in practice settings. A process for validation of evidence based practice competency was developed within this model. The addition of evidence-based practice (EBP) as an indirect/management type of nursing intervention is proposed as a new NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) for the 5th edition of Nursing interventions Classification (Dochterman & Bulechek, 2004) . The structure of the proposed EBP NIC includes a label, a definition, a list of potential nursing activities in logical order and a short list of background readings to support the intervention. As part of the NIC submission process, the proposed NIC will be evaluated by content experts in EBP for relevance. The proposed EBP NIC fits in the NIC taxonomy under the domain of Health System and in the class of Health System Management. Interventions under Health System Management are those that provide and enhance support services for the delivery of care.

The competency assessment self paced modules (entry and ongoing levels) for EBP include salient EBP NIC activities transformed into performance criteria. Reflection of actions is the verification method used for critical thinking related to EBP. The module includes the NIC definition of EBP, the rationale for competency in EBP, the target group, the prerequisites, the time frame, assessment process, evaluator's title/qualifications. Resources for attaining competency are included. Plans for further refinement and testing are in progress.