Development of an instrument to measure the competencies of health professionals in the process of evidence-based healthcare: A Delphi study

AimsTo identify and reach consensus on dimensions and criteria of a competence assessment instrument for health professionals in relation to the process of evidence-based healthcare.DesignA two-round Delphi survey was carried out from April to June 2023.MethodsConsensus was sought from an expert panel on the instrument preliminarily established based on the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare and a rapid review of systematic reviews of relevant literature. The level of consensus was reflected by the concentration and coordination of experts' opinions and percentage of agreement. The instrument was revised significantly based on the combination of data analysis, the experts' comments and research group discussions.ResultsSixteen national and three international experts were involved in the first-round Delphi survey and 17 experts participated in the second-round survey. In both rounds, full consensus was reached on the four dimensions of the instrument, namely evidence-generation, evidence-synthesis, evidence-transfer and evidence-implementation. In round-one, the instrument was revised from 77 to 61 items. In round-two, the instrument was further revised to have 57 items under the four dimensions in the final version.ConclusionThe Delphi survey achieved consensus on the instrument. The validity and reliability of the instrument needs to be tested in future research internationally.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareSystematic assessment of nurses and other health professionals' competencies in different phases of evidence-based healthcare process based on this instrument provides implications for their professional development and multidisciplinary team collaboration in evidence-based practice and better care process and outcomes.ImpactThis study addresses a research gap of lacking an instrument to systematically assess interprofessional competencies in relation to the process of EBHC. The instrument covers the four phases of EBHC process with minimal criteria, highlighting essential aspects of ability to be developed. Identification of health professionals' level of competence in these aspects helps strengthen their capacity accordingly so as to promote virtuous EBHC ecosystem for the ending purpose of improving global healthcare outcomes.Reporting MethodThis study was reported in line with the Conducting and REporting of DElphi studies (CREDES) guidance on Delphi studies.Patient and Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.