title: But can they do it? Clinical competency assessment.
abstract: There are four distinct steps in the development of an effective competency assessment process. Step 1 is the definition of competency criteria in consultation with prospective employers. Step 2 is the selection of assessment tools. The method or tool that will provide a comprehensive, reliable, valid and cost-effective measure of clinical competence does not currently exist; therefore the judicious selection of the right combination of evaluation methods based on predetermined competency criteria is crucial. Step 3 is implementation of the selected assessment tools, followed by Step 4, evaluation of the process and any changes in the work environment. Then the cycle is instituted again with redefinition of competency criteria if indicated.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa, Iowa City 52240, USA. marian-schwabbauer@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schwabbauer
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000592:standards*