[Defining and assessing competence of healthcare professionals. A survey of 148 organizations].
BACKGROUND
To study how competence is described and perceived by organizations of healthcare professionals in France and propose approaches toward implementing a policy to monitor and assess competence throughout medical professionals' careers.


METHODS
After a literature search, we sent 160 letters to organizations representing 16 healthcare professions (listed in the French healthcare code) describing our objectives and proposing interviews. Semi-structured interviews (45-90 minutes) were conducted. The principle questions asked were: What is your organization's definition of competence? What are the principal elements that define competence in healthcare activities? How can a system for assessing competence be implemented? Which methods for such a system are most appropriate, based on experience in other countries? Who are the players in the field of competence? How can organizations participate in monitoring competence?


RESULTS
265 people representing 148 French organizations were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews showed that the principal points mentioned included: need for recognition; lack of training on new developments; need to anticipate changes; need for better health security in the healthcare system. There was a general consensus on the basic elements of competence, the responsibility of public institutions and professional organizations, and the need to work together.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that competence in health care should be defined as follows: "professional competence is based on an initial diploma, participation in effective continuing medical education, a minimum amount of professional activity, and a regular peer review process". Healthcare professionals in France would like to have a better system that allows them to exchange more information on the principal issues in health care.
Matillon
Y
Y
Mission Modalités et conditions d'évaluation des compétences professionnelles des métiers de la santé, Hôpital St Joseph, Paris (75). mission.competences@wanadoo.fr
Le Boeuf
D
D
Maisonneuve
H
H
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012952:Societies