vKUM Research on Nurses' Professional Competence Presented at the IHF World Hospital Congress in Seoul

The vKUM research group participated in the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2026, presenting research on nurses' professional competence and its importance for sustainable healthcare workforce development, professional learning, and patient safety.

The Congress, organised by the International Hospital Federation (IHF), brought together healthcare leaders, researchers, and professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge and explore solutions to pressing challenges facing healthcare systems. Under the theme “Global learning, local action for every patient,” discussions addressed healthcare leadership, workforce challenges, patient safety, organisational resilience, and the growing importance of digital transformation and innovation.

A central focus was how hospitals can develop sustainable, human-centred healthcare systems while responding to increasing demands, workforce shortages, and rapid organisational change.

Measuring Professional Competence

Representing the vKUM research group, Per Thilander presented the study “Nurses' Self-Reported Professional Competence: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Regional Teaching Hospital in Sweden,” published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing in 2025.

The study examined self-assessed professional competence among 615 registered nurses, specialist nurses, and midwives at a Swedish regional teaching hospital. Using the Nurse Professional Competence Scale – Short Form (NPC-SF), the researchers identified important differences across professional groups and competence domains.

The findings showed that specialist nurses generally reported higher professional competence than registered nurses. Longer professional experience and stronger occupational self-efficacy were also associated with higher self-assessed competence. While competence was rated particularly highly in value-based nursing and medical and technical care, lower scores were found in care pedagogics, leadership, and the organisation of nursing care.

Supporting Sustainable Workforce Development

The research was presented within the Congress track “Human-centred experience in a fast-changing world,” connecting the findings to broader international discussions on healthcare workforce development.

The study provides an important baseline for the Swedish Enhanced Competence Development Model (vKUM), an initiative designed to support structured, continuous professional competence and career development among nurses.

By systematically assessing professional competence, healthcare organisations can identify development needs, strengthen career pathways, and make more informed decisions about workforce planning and professional learning.

The presentation in Seoul offered an opportunity to share Swedish research and experiences with an international audience and to contribute to discussions on how hospitals can strengthen professional competence, support staff retention, and promote high-quality, safe patient care.