Subjective and objective assessment in skills evaluation: A cross-sectional study among critical care nurses

Abstract

The evidence concerning patient observation skills among critical care nurses is scarce, and these skills have not been evaluated using both subjective and objective assessment. This study aimed to explore associations between self-assessment and knowledge test assessment of critical care nurses’ skills in patient observation, thus combining subjective and objective assessment. The data of this cross-sectional study among Finnish critical care nurses were collected using an instrument combining self-assessment and knowledge test assessment. The study was reported following the STROBE guidelines. Almost half of the critical care nurses responded (n = 372, 49%). Only a weak positive correlation was found between the scores of assessment methods. This highlights the complex nature of skills evaluation. Self-assessment has limitations in reliability and accuracy, but it has potential in promoting nurses’ professional development. There is a need for developing and supporting self-assessment in clinical nursing practice.