Theoretical frameworks that support the competencies of Advanced Practice Nursing in chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced Practice Nursing competencies in chronic kidney disease require a foundation in theories and conceptual models that guide and underpin practice. Given the lack of globally consistent recognition of this role, there is a fragmentation of the theoretical frameworks that support Advanced Practice Nursing in nephrology.

Objective: To analyze and integrate the main theoretical frameworks that underpin Advanced Practice Nursing competencies in chronic kidney disease.

Methods: A theoretical essay was conducted based on a reflective analysis, developed in 2025. Scientific literature from databases such as SciELO, Scopus, PubMed, Redalyc, Lilacs, Dialnet, and Google Scholar was systematically reviewed. Without a specific time limit, 1048 documents were identified, and 17 were selected. Bardin's conceptual and relational content analysis method was used for data processing.

Results: The reflective analysis fostered a theoretical integration that supports an Advanced Practice Nursing competency model in the context of chronic kidney disease. This includes general epistemological foundations, models of chronic care, nursing theories and models from other disciplines, as well as management and leadership models.

Conclusions: Theoretical foundations supporting an Advanced Practice Nursing competency model for chronic kidney disease were analyzed and integrated. This was documented to serve as a reference for researchers in this area, with the aim of optimizing the quality of healthcare.