Explaining the dimensions of specific competence in training specialist nurses in multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study

Abstract Background The complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) due to psychological, emotional, physical, family, and social dimensions complicates the care of these patients. MS patients need hospitalizations and long-term care to treat and control the progression of the disease. Therefore, the competence of caring for MS patients is one of the important issues in clinical nursing. Objective To explain the dimensions of competence in caring for MS patients. Methods This study is a qualitative descriptive study using conventional content analysis method. Field notes and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted on 12 specialist nurses of MS and 3 MS patients from the neurology ward. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Data analysis was performed using the approach of Zhang and Wildemuth by continuous comparison simultaneously with data collections. Results Data analysis led to the extraction of 2 categories with 5 subcategories. The first category is “unlearned care competence,” with the subcategories as psychological–emotional resilience, psychological skills, and excellent communication skills. The second category is “specialized technical competence,” with the subcategories as up-to-date pathological knowledge and expertise in clinical procedures. Conclusions Identifying the competencies of nurses of MS patients is important for educating nurses to provide qualified care and improve MS patient satisfaction. Nursing managers can empower nurses in non-technical areas such as in-service psychology courses and improve professionalism in caring for MS patients by promoting communication and specific clinical skills.