Building competency in adult congenital heart disease care: development of an international nursing curriculum

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Background Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) represent a rapidly expanding population with complex lifelong clinical and psychosocial needs. Nurses play a pivotal role within multidisciplinary ACHD care, yet internationally their education, scope of practice and professional preparation remain highly variable, with no globally agreed curriculum. This gap has limited role clarity, workforce development and international harmonisation of standards. The aim of this project was to develop the first dedicated, competency-based curriculum for ACHD nursing to support consistent, high-quality, patient-centred care worldwide. Methods An international, multidisciplinary working group led by the Association of Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Professions of the European Society of Cardiology, in collaboration with the Working Group on Adult Congenital Heart Disease and the International Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease, developed the curriculum through expert consensus. The development group included nurses, physicians, educators and individuals with lived experience of ACHD, ensuring patient perspectives were embedded throughout the process. Existing international guidance, professional frameworks and evidence on ACHD nursing practice were synthesised. The curriculum was structured around Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), mapped to the CanMEDS professional roles and designed to accommodate international variation in regulation, resources and scope of practice. Results The resulting curriculum defines core and specialist competencies across the ACHD lifespan, encompassing clinical care, transition, reproductive health, psychosocial support, prevention, advanced therapies, care coordination and research. EPAs specify required knowledge, skills, attitudes, assessment strategies and levels of entrustment, with a minimum standard for practice. The framework supports career progression from specialist to advanced practice roles and is adaptable for academic, workplace-based and continuing professional development contexts. Conclusions This curriculum represents the first internationally applicable, competency-based framework for ACHD nursing. By standardising expectations while allowing contextual flexibility, it strengthens role clarity, supports workforce development and promotes harmonised, high-quality ACHD care globally.

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