Authors
- Tihana Gašpert – University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Žitna Ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; University Hospital Rijeka, Department of Nursing Care, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, Rijeka, Croatia
- Biljana Filipović – Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, Rijeka, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, Zagreb, Croatia; Croatian National Nursing Federation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Adriano Friganović -Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, Rijeka, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, Zagreb, Croatia; Croatian National Nursing Federation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Alessandro Stievano – Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Vedrana Vejzović -Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö, Sweden
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.9
Article type:
Review
Abstract:
Background: Specialist nurses play a pivotal role in addressing Europe’s complex health needs, including aging populations, rising chronic diseases, and shortages of healthcare professionals. However, the development of specialist nursing roles across Europe remains fragmented, with significant variation in education, competencies, and recognition between countries. While international models provide well-established frameworks for advanced nursing practice, European efforts to harmonize specialist nursing competencies have been inconsistent. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature and frameworks on specialist nursing competencies in Europe.
Methods: This scoping review followed the JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Studies and policy documents focusing on specialist nurses, their core competencies, and educational frameworks in Europe were included, alongside relevant grey literature. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, and findings were synthesised narratively.
Results: A total of ten studies were included, spanning single-country analyses (e.g., Scotland, Finland) and multi-country European and international initiatives. Most studies focused on role development, competency identification, or curriculum design for specialist and advanced practice nurses. Common competency domains identified included clinical care, leadership, communication, education, and research. Evidence from feasibility and evaluation studies demonstrated that advanced and specialist nursing roles improve accessibility, continuity, and quality of care, particularly in primary and community health settings. Despite variation in educational pathways and regulatory frameworks, the studies consistently supported the feasibility and necessity of advanced practice roles and underscored the need for greater harmonisation across Europe.
Conclusions: Specialist nurses make a measurable contribution to patient safety, care accessibility, satisfaction, and potentially cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, differences in regulation, role recognition, and practice scope continue to challenge cross-country harmonisation and professional mobility. To fully leverage the potential of specialist nurses in achieving EU health priorities, sustained investment in policy development, legislative alignment, and outcome-based research is crucial.
Keywords:
Competency Mapping, Specialist Nurses, Nursing Competencies, Advanced Nursing Practice, Professional Standards.