Advanced practice nurses’ evidence-based nursing competence in Finland and Singapore

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Topic of the dissertation

Advanced practice nurses’ evidence-based nursing competence in Finland and Singapore

Doctoral candidate

Master of Health Sciences Saija Ylimäki

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology

Subject of study

Nursing Sciences

Opponent

Associate professor Marja Härkänen, University of Eastern Finland

Custos

Professor Maria Kääriäinen, University of Oulu

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The doctoral research bring up APNs' evidence-based nursing competence, competence profiles and development needs

Master of Health Sciences Saija Ylimäki’s doctoral research shows that advanced practice nurses (APN) recognize the significance of evidence-based nursing and are committed to promoting it. The study highlights the need to develop competence, particularly in synthesizing and transferring information, as well as in tasks specific to the special role of evidence-based nursing. Furthermore, the research identifies three distinct competence profiles. The results can be utilized in the development of the work, competence, and education of APNs.

According to the Health Care Act, nursing must be based on proven practices and researched knowledge, i.e., evidence, to enable the implementation of high-quality, patient-safe, effective, and cost-efficient care. Implementing evidence-based nursing requires the competence to identify information needs, generation, synthesize, transfer and implementation research data and evidence. Advanced practice nurses play a significant role in promoting and implementing evidence-based nursing, as they have acquired expanded and more profound expertise through further education to perform and develop independent and advanced nursing, as well as to enhance the competence of healthcare professionals.

In Master of Health Sciences Saija Ylimäki’s doctoral research was describe the implementation of evidence-based nursing, the levels and profiles of EBN competence, and explain the factors associated with them from the perspective of advanced practice nurses. There was no previous national or international research specifically addressing the evidence-based nursing competence of advanced practice nurses.

The doctoral research involved qualitative research based on interviews, a systematic review of previous research data, and a survey of advanced practice nurses. The results of the doctoral research indicated that advanced practice nurses understand the significance of evidence-based nursing, recognize the need for research information in nursing, and are committed to evidence-based nursing. According to the results, the main areas for developing competencies were identified as synthesizing and transferring research information, as well as competence related with the special role of evidence-based nursing. Additionally, based on the evidence-based nursing competencies of advanced practice nurses, three distinct competence profiles were identified, along with several potential personal and organisational factors associated with evidence-based nursing competence.

Based on the research, it can be concluded that the evidence-based nursing competencies and education of advanced practice nurses need further development. Moreover, there should be continued efforts to clarify and standardize the roles, education, competency criteria, and job titles of advanced practice nurses.
Last updated: 14.11.2024