Competency of Nurse Practitioners in Advance Care Planning (ACP) for Patients with Renal Replacement Therapy and Related Factors

Abstract

     This descriptive research aimed to 1) describe level of nurse practitioner’s competency in Advance Care Planning (ACP) for patients with renal replacement therapy, and 2) examine factors related to the nurse practitioner’s competency in ACP for patients with renal replacement therapy.  The sample was 385 nurse practitioners in 41 secondary and 23 tertiary hospitals. The sample size was calculated by Yamane formulation, and the proportionate stratified sampling method was used. The research tool was a questionnaire including demographic data, and the nurse practitioner’s competency in ACP for patients with renal replacement therapy. Five experts confirmed the content validity of the questionnaire with CVI at the .96 level. Its reliability was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, obtaining a value of .98. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation and Point biserial correlation were used to analyze the data. Results revealed as follows

    1. The nurse practitioners had overall competency in ACP for the renal replacement therapy at a moderate level (M = 3.47, SD = .83).

    2. The nurse practitioner’s age (r = .47; p < .01), job experiences; (r = .38 ; p < .01), level of education (r = .25 ; p < .01), number of ACP for renal patients (r = .47 ; p < .01), and palliative care training (r = .33 ; p < .01) were positively and significantly correlated with competency in ACP for renal replacement therapy.

     The results of this research can be used to develop nurse practitioners’competency in making ACP of renal replacement therapy. Training workshops should be done for developing their competency.