Academic Administration Innovation Based on the Competency Framework for Innovative Professional Nursing Practice for Nursing Colleges under the Praboromarajchanok Institute

Abstract

This mixed-method multi-phase research aimed to (1) examine the conceptual framework of academic administration and innovation competency in professional nursing practice, (2) investigate the current and desired states and the needs, and (3) develop an academic administration innovation. Phase 1 involved reviewing documents, related studies, and conducting in-depth interviews with experts. Data were analyzed using content analysis. In Phase 2, the current and desired states, as well as the needs, were studied among 303 participants. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s table at a 95% confidence level, with stratified proportional random sampling. A questionnaire was employed, with item-objective congruence (IOC) ranging from 0.60–1.00 and a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.98. In Phase 3, an academic administration innovation was developed. The appropriateness and feasibility of the innovation were evaluated through expert focus group discussions and questionnaires. The results revealed that the academic administration framework was comprised of three dimensions: curriculum development, learning management, and assessment and evaluation. The competency framework for professional nursing innovation’s aspects include Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Assessment and evaluation in academic administration had the lowest mean score in the  current conditions (M = 3.72, SD = 0.83), but the highest mean score for the desired conditions (M = 4.40, SD = 0.71), resulting in the highest needs index (PNI _Modified = 0.18). The evaluation of the innovation's appropriateness and feasibility revealed that the components focusing on assessment and evaluation, and the competency of testing and improving prototypes, received the highest average scores and were rated as highly appropriate and feasible.