Devising and Establishing the Face and Content Validity of Explicit Criteria of Consultation Competence for UK Secondary Care Nurses

Aim: The aims of this study were (a) to devise a set of prioritised criteria of consultation competence for UK secondary care nurses, and (b) to determine their face and content validity. Method: The criteria of consultation competence as contained in the Consultation Assessment and Improvement Instrument (CAIIN) for primary care nurses were adapted as a result of focus group discussions and observation of videotaped consultations with nurses working in secondary care. The amended criteria were sent to a sample of nurse consultants, specialist nurses and nurse practitioners (n=394) to determine their face and content validity. Results: Support for the seven categories of consultation competence varied from 96% to 99% and for the 37 component competences from 94% to 99%. There was no consensus for alternative or additional categories or components. 87% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the categories of consultation competence should be prioritised and 63% strongly agreed or agreed with the suggested weightings. Conclusion: We have devised prioritised criteria of consultation competence of UK secondary care nurses and established their face and content validity. This can now facilitate the assessment and improvement of the consultation competence of secondary care nurses for both formative and regulatory purposes.