title: Professional competence--can it be accurately measured or defined?
abstract: Professional competence is a complex and dynamic concept. The literature is explored and definitions of competence discussed. The paper identifies the current difficulties in defining and measuring competence. Recommendations are to identify the importance of self-assessment, clinical supervision and reflective practice as components of professional practice.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, North Devon District Hospital.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D011231:Preceptorship; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results