Development of a clinical competency evaluation index for operating room nurses in the Italian context: Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process

Purpose: To achieve consensus on essential elements of a clinical competency assessment for operating room nurses (OR) in Italy Design: Delphi study Methods: Between October 2023 and September 2024, 24 experts, including OR nurses, coordinators, and managers, identified key elements. Data collection involved two Delphi rounds and the analytic hierarchy process. Consensus was reached with a mean score ≥ 3.5 or variance < 20 %. Findings: Five key dimensions were identified: Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practice; Nursing Care & Perioperative Practice; Interpersonal Relationships & Communication; Organizational, Managerial & Leadership Skills; and Education, Research & Professional Development. The framework, with 66 competency elements, highlights the central role of nursing care and perioperative practice. Conclusions: This framework highlights the multifaceted nature of perioperative nursing, with the Nursing Care & Perioperative Practice dimension being central. It also emphasizes the importance of non-technical competencies, such as communication, leadership, and professional development, in improving patient outcomes and teamwork.