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A protocol for the development of a critical thinking assessment tool for nurses using a Delphi technique
Jacob, Elisabeth Christine Duffield Darren Jacob
Jacob, Elisabeth
Christine Duffield
Darren Jacob
Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to develop an assessment tool to measure the critical thinking ability of nurses.
Background
As an increasing number of complex patients are admitted to hospitals, the importance of nurses recognizing changes in health status and picking up on deterioration is more important. To detect early signs of complication requires critical thinking skills. Registered Nurses are expected to commence their clinical careers with the necessary critical thinking skills to ensure safe nursing practice. Currently, there is no published tool to assess critical thinking skills which is context specific to Australian nurses.
Design
A modified Delphi study will be used for the project.
Methods
This study will develop a series of unfolding case scenarios using national health data with multiple‐choice questions to assess critical thinking. Face validity of the scenarios will be determined by an expert reference group of clinical and academic nurses. A Delphi study will determine the answers to scenario questions. Panel members will be expert clinicians and educators from two states in Australia. Rasch analysis of the questionnaire will assess validity and reliability of the tool. Funding for the study and Research Ethics Committee approval were obtained in March and November 2016, respectively.
Discussion
Patient outcomes and safety are directly linked to nurses’ critical thinking skills. This study will develop an assessment tool to provide a standardized method of measuring nurses’ critical thinking skills across Australia. This will provide healthcare providers with greater confidence in the critical thinking level of graduate Registered Nurses.
Keywords
assessment, critical thinking, delphi panel, education, nurse, nursing
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Book
Volume
73
Issue
8
Page Range
1982-1988
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled