Abstract: Objective To construct a core competence evaluation index system suitable for nurses in blood bank in China, and to provide a comprehensive, systematic, and quantifiable reference for evaluating the core competence of blood bank nurses. Methods The content of the index system was constructed based on literature analysis, group discussions, and the Delphi expert consultation method. Results The response rate of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100%, with authority coefficients of 0.93 and 0.92 respectively, and the Kendall's coefficient of concordance ranged from 0.17 to 0.23 (P<0.05). Finally, an evaluation system was established, which included 5 first-level indicators, 20 second-level indicators, and 115 third-level indicators. After the implementation of the nurses' core competence evaluation system, the scores of nurses' theoretical and operational assessments, as well as the scores of quality indicators for nursing care of adverse reactions to blood donation, all showed a significant increase (P=0.002, 0.001). Conclusion The index system constructed in this study has been verified by rigorous methodological approaches and has achieved a high degree of expert consensus. It can provide a scientific basis for the qualification certification, hierarchical training, performance appraisal, and human resource management of blood bank nurses.

Key words: Core competence, Evaluation index, Delphi method, Management of blood bank, Blood bank nurse