Competency assessment and performance improvement for healthcare providers.
This article discusses the implications of designing a comprehensive competency assessment program for healthcare providers. Increased liability for providers, institutions, and liability carriers is providing the impetus for change. Current methods to evaluate competency are limited; most methods include requirements that simply validate licensure and credentials. This article discusses the literature that supports methods for evaluating competency by assessing skills and proctoring. The author proposes a three-part model to ensure that competency assessment and performance improvement is the mainstay of an organization's quality management program. The model includes (a) a skills assessment inventory, (b) a standards review to promote compliance, and (c) a peer review program. Included are samples from two comprehensive skills inventories designed for orientations for physicians and nurses.
Naval Medical College, San Diego, CA.
C A
CA
Sullivan
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000379:methods; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D018024:Peer Review, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D010934:Planning Techniques; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States