Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Competency Model: A Qualitative Study in Japan

Abstract

Background: Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCNs) in Japan have received high praise for the outcomes of nursing activities. It is important for WOCNs not only to practice and obtain education but also to continuously expand and develop in their roles. Therefore, maintaining and improving professional qualities and abilities is an issue. However, the competency of WOCN to become an expert is not clear. It is necessary to grasp the proficiency level of WOCN or the acquisition process of WOCN abilities. This research aimed to clarify the competency of WOCNs and to develop a competency model. Methods: This research is a qualitative descriptive research design. The qualitative data collected by semistructured interviews was analyzed. Participants were 27 people working at a hospital with more than 5 years WOCN experience. Results: Competency concepts of expert WOCNs in role performance were as follows: “Action required for the achievement of duty goals,” “Human relationships based on understanding others,” “WOCN role formation,” “WOCN professional skills,” and “WOCN self-study.” These competency concepts were related to each other. WOCN competency model was visualized as being able to acquire advanced expertise by accumulating experiences and to grasp the level of proficiency. Conclusion: This research identified WOCNs’competency concepts in Japan, and showed the WOCN competency model as leading to the development of WOCNs. The concepts in this model are related to each other in the role performance of WOCNs and suggest that the model can be used for self-evaluation of WOCNs and human resource development.