[Direct Observation of Procedural Skills as an Assessment Tool for Acquiring Procedural Competence in Nursing: A Scoping Review].

Abstract

The DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) guidelines are designed for the assessment of procedural skills in the workplace and could be a useful tool for evaluating these competencies in nursing education.

Aim: To identify the use, facilitating factors, and barriers influencing the implementation of DOPS guidelines as a formative assessment method in nursing education for acquiring procedural skills.

Methods: A Scoping Review was conducted following the PRISMA ScR protocol recommendations. Evidence sources were searched in PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Scopus from 2012 to 2023. Eligibility criteria were applied, and the methodological quality of the sources was analyzed (MERSQI/AMSTAR). Results were analyzed by three thematic groups, which were consensually agreed upon by the researchers according to the objectives (nursing procedures assessed by DOPS, satisfaction with this educational tool, and acquisition of procedural competence).

Results: A total of 701 articles were identified, of which 13 were selected. The average quality of prospective studies was 10 points (range 5-18). The nursing procedures reviewed included: venipuncture, arterial sampling, therapeutic abdominal paracentesis, bandaging, dressing changes, and endotracheal suctioning. Satisfaction depends on Knowledge about this tool and the resources available at clinical centers. There is a favorable trend towards the acquisition of procedural competencies through formative assessment using DOPS guidelines.

Conclusions: DOPS guidelines are effective for acquiring procedural skills in nursing. The challenges for successful incorporation of the guidelines are directly related to adequate design, planning, and implementation. There is a notable research gap at the national level regarding the use of these guidelines in nursing.