Competencies required of clinical facilitators

Abstract

Clinical facilitation is a central function considered indispensable for achieving the integration of theory to practice for nursing students and staff. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the competencies required for clinical facilitators in acute care, private sector environments as well as identify the gaps that arise between the importance of the competency and the evidence that the competency exists in current practice. A structured questionnaire was administered by central collection method and e-mail to seven designations of nurses who were directly or indirectly involved with the function of clinical facilitation from three geographical regions in South Africa. Returns were analysed from 212 responses received. The results of the survey rank ordered the list of the importance of competencies as well as the evidence that the competency exists. The gap variables showed there is a definite need for training in all competencies.