Community-based art groups in mental health recovery: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Though the evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, no systematic review has focused on the impact of art groups in non-clinical settings in the process of recovery following the CHIME framework. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of engaging in community-based art groups in mental health recovery. METHOD: A search in five electronic databases for relevant research using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods published between 2000 and 2019 identified nine eligible studies. RESULTS: While there was great methodological heterogeneity, most studies were qualitative, used visual arts, facilitated by artists and assessed by mental health nurses, and took place in community locations or artistic venues. Quantitative outcomes, though few, provided evidence of increased well-being, and qualitative outcomes corresponded mostly with the recovery process of Connectedness. Additional outcomes related to the settings were a sense of safety and to the intervention: self-expression, development of skills and achievements, and the impact of final exhibitions and peer leadership. DISCUSSION: Studies should aim at prospective designs following mixed methods approaches, with larger and gender-sensitive samples, control groups and follow-up assessments, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Community-based art groups which increase well-being and promote connectedness should be key in recovery-action planning.

[Adaptation and validation of the MoVac-flu scale on motivation towards the flu vaccine]. / Adaptación y validación de la escala MoVac-flu sobre motivación hacia la vacuna de la gripe.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the psychometric properties of MoVac-flu scale in order to be used in Spanish. METHOD: The present research was an analytical observational study of cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Spanish of the MoVac-flu scale. It has been carried out between the months of March and July 2022. The sample size was 142 people who were obtained by consecutive sampling. The processes used for the adaptation have been translation, validation by a committee of experts, back-translation and pilot test. For validation, the psychometric properties of reliability, internal consistency, appearance validity, content validity, utility and ceiling-floor effect have been verified. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the MoVac-flu scale in its version translated into Spanish was high, showing a McDonald's ω of 0.914. CONCLUSIONS: The MoVac-flu scale in Spanish allows to measure the degree of motivation towards vaccination against influenza in the adult population.

Psychometric validation of the 15-item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery in Spain (QPR-15-SP).

Introduction: Reliable and valid instruments are needed to measure the impact of mental health services and programs on the journeys of recovery of service users. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the cross-culturally adapted 15-item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery in Spain (QPR-15-SP). Methods: One hundred and ten participants from three locations in Spain (Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid), who were users of primary and specialized mental health services, were interviewed from October 2021 to June 2022. Results: The internal consistency obtained was excellent: ω =.93 and α =.92. Temporal reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients was moderate (ICC=.684, p <.000). Regarding convergent validity, the QPR-15-SP had a moderate correlation with the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) (ρ =-.500, p <.000), a Visual Numeric Recovery Scale (VNRS) (ρ =.591, p <.000), and the Stages of Recovery Instrument (STORI) (r =.566, p <.000). Correlations between advanced stages of recovery and higher QPR-15-SP scores were found (Moratorium: ρ =-.579, p <.000; Awareness: ρ =-.130, p =.189; Preparation: r =-.043, P=.665; Rebuilding: r =.460, p <.000; Growth: ρ =.697, p <.000). In terms of divergent validity, the QPR-15-SP had low correlation with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support Scale (ρ =.273, p <.005). The confirmatory factor analysis of the 1-factor structure obtained reasonable goodness of fit indexes. Discussion: The QPR-15-SP has acceptable psychometric properties, providing support for measuring recovery in Spain and allowing international comparison research.

Effectiveness of museum-based participatory arts in mental health recovery.

The World Health Organization encourages mental health services to adopt a strategic intersectoral approach by acknowledging the potential of the arts and the value of culture on the process of mental health recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of participatory arts in museums on mental health recovery. A quasi-experimental, pre-post and multicentre study was carried out. By using a mixed methods evaluation at baseline and at 3 months, quantitative outcome measures were used to assess the changes in recovery and social support and qualitative interviews to explore the self-perceived impact on five processes of recovery. One hundred mental health service users participated for 3 years in the face-to-face programme RecuperArte, of which the data of 54 were analysed. The results indicate a significant increase in recovery measured with the QPR-15-SP (42 vs. 44; p = 0.034) and almost significant in functional social support measured with the DUKE-UNC (41.50 vs. 43.50; p = 0.052), with almost large (r = 0.29) and medium (r = 0.26) effect sizes, respectively. Participants perceived mostly an impact on the recovery process of Meaning in life 30/54 (55.56%), Hope and optimism about the future 29/54 (53.7%) and Connectedness 21/54 (38.89%), followed by Identity 6/54 (11.11%) and Empowerment 5/54 (9.26%). The findings contribute to the growing evidence of the potential of the arts as a therapeutic tool, the value of museums as therapeutic spaces and the role of nurses in intersectoral coordination, between the mental health and cultural sectors, as facilitators and researchers of these evidence-based practices.

The role of life satisfaction in the association between problematic technology use and anxiety in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main aim of this study is to explore problematic technology use among adolescents (Internet, video games, mobiles, and television) and its association with anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, we also analysed the possible moderating role of life satisfaction in this relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. A cross-sectional survey of 4025 children and adolescents (52% females and 48% males) between 12 and 18 years old was carried out to explore problematic technology use and its correlation with anxiety and life satisfaction after pandemic lockdown. Four multivariate regressions containing the independent variable (problematic technology use), the moderator (life satisfaction), and their interaction were entered to predict the outcome (anxiety). The moderated models were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro software (Model 1). Analyses showed significant positive correlations with anxiety and negative correlations with life satisfaction regarding problematic technology use (mobile phone, television, and internet). Both gender and age had a significant direct effect on anxiety (showing that women and older participants had the greatest anxiety). In the moderation analysis, when life satisfaction was higher, the presence of anxiety symptoms depended to a greater extent on the problematic use of technology. Our results confirm that problematic technology use is related to higher levels of anxiety in adolescents, with differences by age and gender. The results also showed that life satisfaction mediated the relationship between technology abuse and anxiety, such that when life satisfaction was higher, the presence of anxiety symptoms was more dependent on problematic technology use. These findings have implications for health and education professionals.

Adaptación y validación de la escala MoVac-flu sobre motivación hacia la vacuna de la gripe / Adaptation and validation of the MoVac-flu scale on motivation towards the flu vaccine

Objetivo: Realizar una traducción, adaptación y validación de las propiedades psicométricas de la escala MoVac-flu para ser utilizada en español. Método: Estudio observacional analítico de adaptación transcultural y validación al español de la escala MoVac-flu. Se llevó a cabo entre los meses de marzo y julio del año 2022. El tamaño muestral fue de 142 personas que se reclutaron mediante muestreo consecutivo. Los procesos utilizados para la adaptación fueron traducción, validación por comité de expertos, retrotraducción y prueba piloto. Para la validación se comprobaron las propiedades psicométricas de fiabilidad, consistencia interna, validez de apariencia, validez de contenido, utilidad y efecto techo-suelo. Resultados. La consistencia interna de la escala MoVac-flu en su versión traducida al español fue alta, con una ω de McDonald de 0,914. Conclusiones: La escala MoVac-flu en español permite medir el grado de motivación ante la vacunación frente a la gripe de la población adulta.(AU)

Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the psychometric properties of MoVac-flu scale in order to be used in Spanish. Method: The present research was an analytical observational study of cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Spanish of the MoVac-flu scale. It has been carried out between the months of March and July 2022. The sample size was 142 people who were obtained by consecutive sampling. The processes used for the adaptation have been translation, validation by a committee of experts, back-translation and pilot test. For validation, the psychometric properties of reliability, internal consistency, appearance validity, content validity, utility and ceiling-floor effect have been verified. Results: The internal consistency of the MoVac-flu scale in its version translated into Spanish was high, showing a McDonald's ω of 0.914. Conclusions: The MoVac-flu scale in Spanish allows to measure the degree of motivation towards vaccination against influenza in the adult population.(AU)

Temporal trends in within-city inequities in COVID-19 incidence rate by area-level deprivation in Madrid, Spain.

Patterns of exposure and policies aiming at reducing physical contact might have changed the social distribution of COVID-19 incidence over the course of the pandemic. Thus, we studied the temporal trends in the association between area-level deprivation and COVID-19 incidence rate by Basic Health Zone (minimum administration division for health service provision) in Madrid, Spain, from March 2020 to September 2021. We found an overall association between deprivation and COVID-19 incidence. This association varied over time; areas with higher deprivation showed higher COVID-19 incidence rates from July to November 2020 and August-September 2021, while, by contrast, higher deprivation areas showed lower COVID-19 incidence rates in December 2020 and July 2021.

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire on Risk Perception, Coping Behaviors and Preventive Knowledge against COVID-19 among Nursing Students.

As shown in the previous literature, in view of the future responsibilities of nursing professionals and the consequences for healthcare, it is of great interest to examine their risk perceptions, coping behaviors, and sense of coherency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to design and to validate a specific questionnaire that evaluates the factors relating to perceived risk, coping behaviors, and preventive knowledge against COVID-19 infection among nursing students from Spain. This is a psychometric study of a questionnaire's design and its validation in 1562 nursing students at 16 undergraduate nursing institutions in Spain. An ad-hoc survey was designed by a panel of six experts drawing from the literature. After a trial test, the questionnaire was formed with four scales (perception, risk, coping, and knowledge of preventive practices for COVID-19), with a total of 69 items. The final questionnaire was composed of 52 items grouped into four scales, with good psychometric properties to measure risk perception (Cronbach's alpha 0.735), factors related to perceived risk (Cronbach's alpha 0.653), coping behaviors (Cronbach's alpha 0.80), and knowledge of preventive practices against COVID-19 (Cronbach's alpha 0.77). This questionnaire, specifically designed and validated for nursing students, is the first to address four important areas in the development of preventive measures against COVID-19.

Measuring mental health recovery: Cross-cultural adaptation of the 15-item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery in Spain (QPR-15-SP).

Mental health services need reliable and valid instruments to measure mental health recovery outcomes, and the only available one in Spanish is arduous. Adapting an instrument is more efficient than creating a new one as it enables international comparison research. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of the 15-item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery. Fifty-four participants engaged in a five-stage systematic and standardized process carried out from November 2019 to November 2020. Professional translators (n = 4) from the Translation Service Center for Foreign Languages of the Universidad de Alcalá participated in the direct translation, synthesis and back translation stages, and mental health professionals (n = 33) and service users (n = 17) from the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga and the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria in Andalucía (Spain), with an average of 19.2 (SD 12.86) years of experience in mental health, participated in the committee of experts and pilot debriefing stages. Additionally, legibility was assessed. Out of the 15-items of the questionnaire, three (20%) were equal amongst translations, three items (20%) of the back translations matched the original questionnaire and discrepancies identified were adapted accordingly. Seven items (46.7%) were approved online by experts and consensus of alternative translations was reached for the rest. The average time spent completing the questionnaire by service users during the face-to-face pilot was 4.12 min (SD 2.25). Internal consistency obtained was ω = 0.95 and α = 0.91. Debriefing findings reported the questionnaire as comprehensible (97.1%), adequate in wording (91.2%), formal in language (55.9%) and adequate in terms of length (100%). The questionnaire scored 65.53, 'normal' readability, on the Inflesz scale. The adapted instrument has conceptual, linguistic, cultural and metric equivalence to the original instrument.

Benefits of the application of heat and pressure on peripheral venous cannulation in adults: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of topical heat, high pressure or a combination of both on antebrachial venous cannulation. DESIGN: A cross-over clinical trial blinded for haemolysis analysis. METHODS: This cross-over clinical trial with two periods was performed in the Clinical Trial Unit of Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (Madrid) during June-July of 2017 in 59 healthy adults who were randomly allocated to one of three interventions: (1) Using dry topical heat for 7 min produced by two hot seed bags (N = 21), (2) Applying controlled pressure from a sphygmomanometer inflated to 100 mmHg (N = 18) and (3) combining heat and pressure (N = 20) in one period out of two. All interventions were contrasted to standard clinical practice in the other period. The comparator involved a standard tourniquet around the upper arm to restrict venous blood flow. The primary outcome was effectiveness measured as vein cannulation at first attempt. Secondary outcomes were vein perception, pain, haemolysis in blood samples and adverse events. RESULTS: All the interventions were more effective than comparator. Vein perception was optimized in about all individuals. Moreover, pain relief was significantly higher when high pressure was applied. Haemolysis was not affected in any of the three interventions. In addition, no serious adverse events appeared. CONCLUSION: High pressure is determined to be the most effective in vein catheterization, pain relief, vein perception and quality of blood sample inalterability. Moreover, it is safe considering that only one adverse event appeared. IMPACT: Vein cannulation is a very common invasive technique, where repeated failures have been registered. Thus, we consider it relevant to develop interventions to achieve venous catheterization at first attempt to alleviate the pain and anxiety associated with this technique. We advocate using high pressure intervention for emergency, due to swiftest method and feasible in case of lacking resources, such as sphygmomanometers in the ambulance. Interventions can be extrapolated to healthy young adults, adults and patients who have healthy vein status perception. Pressure intervention could be an alternative to heat intervention when performing vein cannulation due to its lower risk of transient paresthesia for older people who often suffer from arterial hypertension.

The Evidence-Based Practice Silent Enemy: Retracted Articles and Their Use in Systematic Reviews.

Today, evidence-based nursing practice strives to improve health care, ensure adherence to treatment, improve health outcomes, and guarantee patient safety. The main scientific documents that nurses should consult, to obtain the best possible evidence, are systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, this type of scientific document has a major issue if it uses retracted articles that could directly affect the consistency of the results shown in the reviews. The aim of this commentary is to present the current issue represented by the use of retracted articles in meta-analyses of systematic reviews and how researchers could detect them, through the use of different instruments, avoiding them, and providing a reliable SR or meta-analysis that could be useful for day-to-day clinical and research activities.

Prevalence Rates of Loneliness and Its Impact on Lifestyle in the Healthy Population of Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish population presents higher levels of loneliness than citizens of countries in Northern Europe. Numerous studies have linked loneliness to increased morbidity and mortality, but very few studies have associated loneliness with healthy lifestyles. The objectives of this research are to identify the feeling of unwanted loneliness in various age and gender groups in the city of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid, Spain), to determine lifestyle habits in the areas of diet and physical exercise, and to examine the association between lifestyle habits and perceived loneliness. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational and analytical study on the perception of loneliness among men (59.06%) and women (60.06%) in a sample (n = 611) of the general population (N = 198,945), by means of random assignment of a health survey, was conducted. The data were collected using an ad hoc questionnaire. The data were stratified and analyzed with the IBM SSPS® v.25 software package. RESULTS: The frequency of loneliness is stratified by sex and age, and healthy lifestyle habits in terms of diet and physical exercise are analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: People with perceived loneliness do not have worse lifestyle habits. However, women living with other people have a higher perception of loneliness than those living alone. Specifically, the perception of loneliness in young adult women could suggest a low level of moderate physical exercise.

Análisis de patrones de alimentación: comparación con el Triángulo de la Nutrición del Flemish Institute for Healthy Living / Food pattern analysis: comparison with the nutrition triangle of the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living

En el siguiente trabajo de investigación se realiza un análisis del patrón alimentario de los habitantes de la ciudad de Alcalá de Henares a través de la pirámide invertida, que lo diferencia de la pirámide estándar ya existente. Como metodología, se realiza un estudio observacional de corte transversal, en el que se recogen los datos acerca del patrón alimentario a través de cuestionarios vía telefónica, presencial u online. Posteriormente, se clasifican estos datos por tres variables distintas como son edad, sexo y sentimiento de soledad, concluyendo que existen marcadas diferencias respecto al patrón alimentario. Se observa que las personas de entre 45-64 años consumen los distintos grupos de alimentos de una forma más adecuada que los adultos más jóvenes; respecto al sexo, las mujeres llevan a cabo un patrón alimentario más saludable desde edades tempranas respecto de los hombres; y respecto a las personas con sentimiento de soledad, se evidencia una mayor tendencia a peores patrones de consumo de alimentos en los grupos de personas que se sienten solas, generalmente adolescentes y adultos mayores. Se comprueba en el grupo de los universitarios jóvenes un consumo inferior de frutas, hortalizas y verduras, así como un aumento de su consumo en colegios; la evidencia de un mayor consumo de frutas y verduras por parte de las mujeres coincide con los datos disponibles a este respecto en el ámbito europeo; los grupos de personas que se sientan solas tienen asociados peores patrones alimentarios

In the following research work, an analysis is made of the eating pattern of the inhabitants of the city of Alcalá de Henares through the inverted pyramid, differentiating it from the existing standard pyramid. As a methodology, an observational cross-sectional study is carried out, in which data about the eating pattern is collected through questionnaires via telephone, in person or online. Later, these data are classified by three different groups such as age, sex, and people with feelings of loneliness; concluding that there are marked differences regarding the eating pattern, it is observed that people between 45-64 years old consume different food groups in a more adequate way than younger adults; Regarding sex, women carry out a healthier eating pattern from an early age compared to men; and regarding people with feelings of loneliness, a greater tendency to worse food consumption patterns is evident in the groups of people who feel lonely, generally adolescents and older adults. As a discussion, a lower consumption of fruits, vegetables and vegetables is evidenced in the group of young university students; an increase in the consumption of these in schools; European data coincidences regarding the higher consumption of fruits and vegetables in women; and worse patterns associated with groups of people who feel alone

Validación psicométrica del cuestionario COPE-Index (Carers of Older People in Europe) / Psychometric validation of the COPE-Index questionnaire (Carers of Older People in Europe)

OBJETIVO: describir el proceso de validación psicométrica del instrumento COPE-Index en población española. MÉTODO: estudio de validación del cuestionario COPE-Index, que cuenta con 15 ítems divididos en tres subescalas: valoración del impacto negativo, valoración del impacto positivo y calidad del apoyo. Los sujetos de estudio fueron 165 figuras cuidadoras de personas mayores, pertenecientes a la Asociación de Familiares de Alzheimer de la Comunidad de Madrid. Mediciones principales: factibilidad del instrumento COPE, consistencia interna, efecto techo y suelo, análisis factorial exploratorio, validez convergente y divergente (para ello se usaron los cuestionarios PACS, Duke-Unc y SF-12). RESULTADOS: la muestra de estudio estuvo formaba por 150 sujetos (tasa de respuesta del 90,9%). El 65,33% (n= 98) era mujer; la edad media (DE) fue de 64 (12,23). Los resultados se mostraron fiables en cuanto a su homogeneidad interna en relación con la subescala negativa y la subescala de calidad (alfas de Cronbach > 0,7) y menor en la subescala positiva (alfa de Cronbach: 0,61). No se apreció efecto techo ni suelo. La validez de constructo confirmó tres dimensiones del cuestionario COPE, que explicaban el 52% de la varianza total. En las pruebas de validez convergente/divergente se correlacionaron las puntuaciones de la subescala positiva del cuestionario COPE con los ítems del cuestionario PACS, la subescala negativa del cuestionario COPE se relacionó con las preguntas del cuestionario Duke-Unc y, finalmente, la subescala de calidad del cuestionario COPE se correlacionó con los ítems del instrumento SF-12 versión dos. CONCLUSIÓN: la versión española del cuestionario COPE-Index fue válida y confiable para identificar los aspectos positivos, negativos y de calidad del cuidado en cuidadoras de personas mayores

OBJECTIVE: to describe the psychometric validation process of the COPE-Index instrument for the Spanish population. METHOD: a validation study of the COPE-Index questionnaire, which consists of 15 items classified into three sub-scales: assessment of negative impact, assessment of positive impact, and quality of support. The study subjects were 165 carers for older people, from the Madrid Association of Relatives of Alzheimer's Patients. The main measurements were: the feasibility of the COPE instrument, internal consistency, ceiling and floor effect, exploratory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity (the PACS, Duke-Unc and SF-12 questionnaires were used for this). RESULTS: the study sample was formed by 150 subjects (90.9% response rate). Of these, 65.33% (n= 98) were female, and their mean age (SD) was 64 (12.23). Results appeared reliable in terms of internal homogeneity regarding the negative sub-scale and the quality sub-scale (Cronbach's alphas > 0.7), and lower in the positive sub-scale (Cronbach's alpha: 0,61). Neither ceiling nor floor effect were observed. The construct validity confirmed three dimensions of the COPE questionnaire, which explained 52% of the total variance. In the convergent / divergent validity tests, the scores from the positive sub-scale of the COPE questionnaire were correlated with the PACS questionnaire items, the negative sub-scale of the COPE questionnaire was associated with the questions from the Duke-Unc questionnaire, and finally, the quality sub-scale of the COPE questionnaire was correlated with the items from the second version of the SF-12 instrument. CONCLUSION: the Spanish version of the COPE-Index questionnaire was valid and reliable to identify the positive, negative and quality aspects of care in caregivers for elderly persons

Competencias en enfermeras Especialistas y en Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada / Competences of specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución de competencias avanzadas en enfermeras especialistas y enfermeras de práctica avanzada y evaluar su asociación con algunas características de su perfil profesional. Método: Estudio transversal analítico multicéntrico. Se incluyeron enfermeras que ejercían como Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada y enfermeras Especialistas. Se midió su nivel de competencias avanzadas percibidas, así como variables de caracterización profesional. Resultados: Doscientas setenta y siete enfermeras participaron (149 ejercían práctica avanzada y 128 especialistas), con una media de 13,88 (11,05) años como especialista y 10,48 (5,32) años como Enfermera de Práctica Avanzada. Un 28,8% tenía nivel de máster o doctorado. El 50,2% ejercía en atención primaria, el 24,9% en hospitales y el 22,7% en salud mental. El nivel global autopercibido fue elevado en las distintas competencias, siendo las dimensiones más bajas las de investigación, práctica basada en la evidencia, gestión de la calidad y seguridad y liderazgo y consultoría. Las Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada obtuvieron mayor nivel competencial de forma global y en las dimensiones de liderazgo y consultoría, relaciones interprofesionales, gestión de cuidados y promoción de salud. No hubo diferencias en función de la experiencia o la posesión de nivel de máster o de doctorado. En las Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada el contexto de práctica no influía en los niveles competenciales, aunque en las enfermeras especialistas sí, a favor de las que ejercían en salud mental. Conclusiones: Las enfermeras especialistas y de práctica avanzada tienen competencias distintas que deberían ser gestionadas adecuadamente para el desarrollo de los servicios enfermeros avanzados y especializados

Objective: To analyse the distribution of advanced competences in specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses and to evaluate their association with some characteristics of their professional profile. Method: Multicentre analytical cross-sectional study. Nurses who worked as advanced practice nurses and specialist nurses were included. Their level of perceived advanced competences was measured, as well as sociodemographic and professional characterization variables. Results: A total of 277 nurses participated (149 practised as advanced practice nurses and 128 as specialists), with an average of 13.88 (11.05) years as a specialist and 10.48 (5.32) years as an advanced practice nurse. In the sample, 28.8% had a master's or doctorate level qualification, 50.2% worked in Primary Care, 24.9% in hospitals and 22.7% in Mental Health. The self-perceived global level was high in the different competences, the lowest dimensions being research, evidence-based practice, quality and safety management and leadership and consulting. The advanced practice nurses obtained a higher level of competence globally and in the dimensions of leadership and consulting, interprofessional relations, care management, and health promotion. There were no differences based on experience or possession of a master's degree or doctorate. In the advanced practice nurses, the practice context did not influence competence levels, although in the specialist nurses it did, in favour of those practicing in Mental Health. Conclusions: Specialist and advanced practice nurses have different competences that should be adequately managed for the development of advanced and specialist nursing services

Competences of specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses. / Competencias en enfermeras Especialistas y en Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the distribution of advanced competences in specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses and to evaluate their association with some characteristics of their professional profile. METHOD: Multicentre analytical cross-sectional study. Nurses who worked as advanced practice nurses and specialist nurses were included. Their level of perceived advanced competences was measured, as well as sociodemographic and professional characterization variables. RESULTS: A total of 277 nurses participated (149 practised as advanced practice nurses and 128 as specialists), with an average of 13.88 (11.05) years as a specialist and 10.48 (5.32) years as an advanced practice nurse. In the sample, 28.8% had a master's or doctorate level qualification, 50.2% worked in Primary Care, 24.9% in hospitals and 22.7% in Mental Health. The self-perceived global level was high in the different competences, the lowest dimensions being research, evidence-based practice, quality and safety management and leadership and consulting. The advanced practice nurses obtained a higher level of competence globally and in the dimensions of leadership and consulting, interprofessional relations, care management, and health promotion. There were no differences based on experience or possession of a master's degree or doctorate. In the advanced practice nurses, the practice context did not influence competence levels, although in the specialist nurses it did, in favour of those practicing in Mental Health. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist and advanced practice nurses have different competences that should be adequately managed for the development of advanced and specialist nursing services.