The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence the clinical decision-making ability of physician assistant nurses, using Hansen and Thomas's (1968) decision-making model as the theoretical framework. It also aimed to provide foun...
The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence the clinical decision-making ability of physician assistant nurses, using Hansen and Thomas's (1968) decision-making model as the theoretical framework. It also aimed to provide foundational evidence to inform educational, clinical, and institutional support to enhance the professional role performance of physician assistant nurses.
A total of 178 physician assistant nurses, each with at least three years of clinical experience, working in general hospitals with 300 or more beds located in D Metropolitan City and C Province participated in the study. Data were collected from July 29 to September 9, 2025, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire.
Results showed that the participants' clinical decision-making ability differed significantly based on their highest level of education (H=6.64, p=0.036). Significant positive correlations were also observed with critical thinking disposition (r=.66, p<0.001), nursing informatics competency (r=0.48, p<0.001), nursing work environment (r=0.48, p<0.001), and task complexity (r=0.28, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis identified critical thinking disposition (β=0.44, p<0.001), nursing informatics competency (β=0.25, p<0.001), nursing work environment (β=0.22, p<0.001), and highest level of education (associate vs. bachelor's degree, β=−0.11, p=0.049) as significant predictors of clinical decision-making ability. The regression model was statistically significant (F=28.72, p<0.001) with an explanatory power of 52% (Adjusted R²=0.52).
These findings indicate that the clinical decision-making ability of physician assistant nurses is influenced by a combination of individual cognitive capacity, clinical information utilization competency, and the presence of a supportive organizational work environment. Therefore, strengthening the clinical decision-making ability requires implementing educational strategies that foster critical thinking and nursing informatics competency, along with organizational support systems that enhance the nursing work environment.