Effects of a Competency-Based Education Program for Inpatient Psychiatric Nurses: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a competency-based educational program for strengthening the competency of psychiatric nurses and evaluate its effects. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design. Participants included 64 psychiatric nurses in South Korea: 33 nurses (32 females, 1 male) in the experimental group and 31 nurses (26 females, 5 males) in the control group. A competency-based education program for psychiatric nurses was developed through a literature review and discussion with 12 experts. The program addressed eight topics and provided 24 hours of education over 4 days, for 6 hours each day. The collected data via questionnaires were analyzed statistically. Results: The education program enhanced overall clinical nursing competence and strengthened professional self-growth competence. The management and teaching competencies of both the experimental and the control groups also increased significantly. Conclusion: The findings of this study presented an educational program to strengthen the clinical competency of psychiatric nurses and it was proven that the education had a capacity-building effect.