Competencies Required for Hospital-Based Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses to Provide PI Care in Home Care in Japan: A Mixed-Methods Study

Aim: To identify the competencies required for hospital-based WOC nurses to provide direct pressure injury (PI) care in home care settings in Japan. Design: Mixed methods convergent design. Methods: The qualitative strand used a descriptive design to explore competencies for overcoming barriers faced by hospital-based WOC nurses when providing PI care at home. The quantitative strand used a cross-sectional design to assess competencies in organising the hospital PI management system. Results: Six competencies were identified: (1) Establish relationships with home healthcare professionals; (2) Promote hospital-based WOC nurse's expertise to home healthcare professionals; (3) Collaborate with the regional medical liaison office in WOC nurse's hospital; (4) Involve hospital administrators in home PI management; (5) Utilise social media/Information and Communication Technology for patient or home-visiting nurse communication; and (6) Utilise public or academic support projects to facilitate home-based activities. The median scoring rate for each medical staff domain on the revised Collaboration Competency Scale for WOC Nurses ranged from 80% to 91%. Conclusion: The results of this study can serve as a practical resource to help WOC nurses expand their activities into home-care settings. Implications for the Profession: Their ability to coordinate with staff and manage PI care within hospitals supports active engagement in home care, improving continuity and quality. Impact: This study addressed the issue that many hospital-based WOC nurses cannot visit patients at home. The competencies identified may enable these nurses to expand their role into home care. Reporting Method: This study followed EQUATOR guidelines, with the STROBE Statement applied to the quantitative part and the COREQ checklist to the qualitative part. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients or the public were not involved in the study's design, conduct, or reporting.