Abstract: Objective: To construct a core competency evaluation index system for tuberculosis specialist nurses, in order to provide references and basis for their training, assessment, evaluation and management. Methods: Based on the Onion Model as the theoretical framework, a preliminary draft of the core competency evaluation index for tuberculosis specialist nurses was developed through literature review and semi-structured interviews. From March to May 2024, the core competency index system for tuberculosis specialist nurses was established by the Delphi method for expert consultation. Results: A total of 23 experts from 9 provinces were included in two rounds of expert consultation. The effective response rates of the questionnaire were all 100%. The expert authority coefficient was 0.93, the variation coefficients of two rounds of expert consultation were 0-0.239 and 0-0.206, and the Kendall's harmony coefficients were 0.135-0.170 and 0.116-0.184. The final evaluation index system of core competency of tuberculosis specialist nurses includes 5 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators and 69 third-level indicators. Conclusion: The core competency evaluation index system of tuberculosis specialist nurses is scientific and reasonable, which reflects the characteristics of tuberculosis specialist nursing, and can provide references for the evaluation of tuberculosis specialist nurses and lay the foundation for the training and development of tuberculosis specialist nurses in the future.

Key words: tuberculosis; specialist nurse; core competency; evaluation indicator; Delphi method