Expert: a discussion of the implications of the concept as used in nursing

Abstract

The concept 'expert' has become common in the nursing literature since Benner's (1984) work more than a decade ago. Whilst the term has a common meaning, it is apparent that when used in nursing it refers to a multitude of attributes and lacks clear definition. This paper uses the strategy for concept analysis developed by Walker & Avant (1988) to seek an operational definition for the concept of 'expert', and suggests the defining attributes of: possession of a specialized body of knowledge and skill; extensive experience in a field of practice; highly developed levels of pattern recognition, and acknowledgement by others. These are discussed in relation to nursing practice and the circumstances under which the concept is used. Development of cases is carried out to exemplify the concept, and the antecedents and consequences of the attributes are discussed, suggesting that the concept lacks clarity, both in conceptualization, and in use. A first definition of the concept is posed to open debate concerning the relevance of the term for the future. The conclusions reached suggest that whilst an operational definition is unlikely to be found, because of the problems of definition and measurement, it is possible, through various strategies, to recognize expert practice and use it to further develop nursing. Furthermore, it is likely to become increasingly important to recognize and reward expert practitioners, given the political and economic constraints in health care today.

Development and validation of educational technology for venous ulcer care

“…In the fourth step, there was the apparent and content validation process by experts, which was held from April to October 2012. It was noted that, in this study, an expert was considered a person who presented wide capacity acquired by a high degree of knowledge, skills and experience in a specific area of knowledge, even presenting the particularity of being identified and recognized by others (12)(13) . Professionals were considered experts if they presented at least two of the following criteria: development of prevention and/or health promotion aimed at people with VU for at least 10 years; have published scientific papers on VU and/or on development and validation of educational materials; being an expert in stomatherapy and/or member of the Brazilian Society of Stomatherapy; having a master's degree or PhD with scientific production in the VU area or production of educational technology; being a member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.…”

Validação de mensagens telefônicas para promoção da saúde de pessoas com HIV

“…"Expert" is defined as a professional that has great knowledge and skills in clinical practice, teaching, or research, with recognition in their field. (11) The present study was the initial step in an experimental research project to assess the effects of phone calls sent by WhatsApp to promote health in PLWHA.…”

Water balance in pediatric nephrology: construction of a Standard Operating Procedure

“…The choice of experts was based on the expert attributes proposed by Jasper (1994), who are: having a specialized body of skills or knowledge, having extensive experience in a specific field of practice, having a high level of development for pattern recognition and being recognized by others for their expertise (15) . Thus, the criteria of classification of the specialists were determined: PhD thesis developed on water balance and/or hydro electrolytic disturbance; Masters with dissertation developed on water balance and/or hydro electrolytic disturbance; Article published in the area of water balance and/or hydro electrolytic imbalance; Experience of at least two years in the area of nephrology in the care of patients with hydro electrolytic disorders; and certificate (specialization) in the area of health that has specific content with hydro electrolytic disorders.…”