An initial biomedical physics elements-of-competence inventory for first cycle nursing educational programmes in Europe

Abstract

This paper presents an initial version of a biomedical physics elements-ofcompetence inventory for first cycle nursing educational programmes in Europe and describes the process used in its development. EU legislation and documentation, standards of proficiency promulgated by professional councils, educational benchmark statements published by higher education quality assurance agencies and articles in the healthcare, healthcare professional and higher education literature relevant to standards of nursing practice, role development and undergraduate nursing education were analyzed. The current outcome competence list for First Cycle nursing programmes developed by the nursing group working within the Tuning Educational Structures in Europe framework was examined. Nursing curricula across Europe were surveyed. Competences expected of a First Cycle nursing graduate that included major biomedical physics components were identified via document analysis. These competences were in turn broken down into specific elements-of-competence and those elements falling within the biomedical physics domain singled out. A structured elements-of-competence inventory was designed to serve as a practical curriculum development tool for biomedical physics educators servicing nursing programmes within Europe.