Identifying and prioritizing requirements for an e-platform to strengthen nursing in Kazakhstan A two-step research design including a literature review and a Delphi study
Abstract BACKGROUND This paper addresses the requirements for an e-platform that is to be developed to strengthen nursing in Kazakhstan. It aims to support knowledge sharing and collaboration in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. To construct the platform, a requirement analysis was conducted in a two-step design that included a literature review and a Delphi study. The aim of the review was to identify requirements for an e-platform for collaborative developments in nursing science and nursing research education. The aim of the Delphi study was to specifically prioritize these requirements for Kazakhstan.METHODS A literature search was accomplished using different electronic databases between February and April 2018 by applying search terms concerning nursing, e-platform, research, and education. Included studies should not be older than six years, written in English or Russian, involve nurses or nursing students, and address learning by e-platform. The Delphi study included two rounds of questionnaires containing input from the review and from other project activities. Rating occurred among a panel of experts from Kazakhstan, Finland, and the Netherlands. Outcomes were analysed applying content validity ratios and level of consensus thresholds.RESULTS The literature search generated eight studies. Data extraction and synthesis resulted in nine categories of requirements covered by four groups in the Delphi study. One group contains content-related requirements encompassing aim and users, platform structure, educational content, and nursing skills. Another group comprises functional requirements including communication, knowledge acquisition, and management. A third group refers to usability requirements, and the fourth group contains technical requirements. The Delphi study generated a list of 52 essential requirements and 15 useful requirements with a high level of consensus.CONCLUSION The input for the Delphi corresponded with the perceptions of experts concerning the needs of the e-platform to be developed. The list of requirements is well-embedded in the literature as well as in the national context of nursing in Kazakhstan and, therefore, will contribute to improving the trinity of nursing education, research, and practice. Although the list is context-specific, when validated by a panel of experts, it is considered to be applicable universally when developing e-platforms for nursing.
