2021 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 11-17
Objectives: Using the Delphi method this study scrutinized the42 items of a competency scale for occupational health nurses that we developed in 2016, to make it more accurate. Methods: Three questionnaire surveys of 34 occupational health nurses were conducted using the Delphi method. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being a member of the Japan Academy of Occupational Health Nursing; having more than 10 years of practical experience in occupational health nursing or more than 10 years of experience in occupational health nursing practice, education, and research; and being published in journals that cover occupational health nursing. The number of respondents (response rate) to the first questionnaire was 26 (76.5%); for the second, it was 21 (80.8%); and for the third, it was 20 (95.2%). Results: In the first and second surveys, 11 items were revised. The results of the third survey showed a consent rate of 75% or less for six items. A discussion among researchers with reference to these results produced the following proposals: (1) 11 items should be revised, (2) 3 items should be deleted, and (3) a new item should be added. Discussion: The first survey showed differences in the perception of competencies among the participants, but vector alignment became possible as the survey progressed. Although several participants asserted that some items might be too advanced, following a literature review and discussion, the 40 new items produced were considered to be appropriate for the competency scale items.
