The development of renal clinical competencies across Europe
The European Competency Framework is a joint collaboration between the European Dialysis & Transplant Nurses Association (EDTNA) & the European Network of Renal Care Associations (ENRCA).The aims of this project were to explore the current roles throughout European countries and develop a competency framework, initially for renal nurses. In the future, to expand this for other healthcare professionals, such as renal technicians, social workers and dieticians.
12 National European Associations collaborated on this project. The production of a clinical competencies document was deemed an appropriate proposal as it allowed us to review the different skills that are undertaken by staff within different countries. By the use of the country wide surveys to 12 European countries in 2004 it was noted that although there are some differences between countries, many things that are undertaken are the same.
The draft document was completed in October 2005 and a pilot study was
trialled in 6 European countries in March 2006 and the feedback from these
has been integrated into the completed competency documents. The Benner
framework was chosen as it is simple to adapt within cross country domains
and has a simple novice to expert approach. The aim was to produce a competency template that can be adapted by each country for their specific needs. Transportability of staff between Europe is being pressed upon at an EU level, so clinical competencies will need to be implemented in the future and it is hoped they will assist with the portability of staff between Europe. Hopefully these competencies will improve understanding of renal nurse's work and give a greater understanding of what we do.