title: Professional confidence: a concept analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Professional confidence is a concept that is frequently used and or implied in occupational therapy literature, but often without specifying its meaning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rodgers's Model of Concept Analysis was used to analyse the term "professional confidence". Published research obtained from a federated search in four health sciences databases was used to inform the concept analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The definitions, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of professional confidence as evidenced in the literature are discussed. Surrogate terms and related concepts are identified, and a model case of the concept provided. Based on the analysis, professional confidence can be described as a dynamic, maturing personal belief held by a professional or student. This includes an understanding of and a belief in the role, scope of practice, and significance of the profession, and is based on their capacity to competently fulfil these expectations, fostered through a process of affirming experiences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Developing and fostering professional confidence should be nurtured and valued to the same extent as professional competence, as the former underpins the latter, and both are linked to professional identity.
authors: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. hollandk@ukzn.ac.za
authors: Kathlyn
authors: K
authors: Holland
authors: Lyn
authors: L
authors: Middleton
authors: Leana
authors: L
authors: Uys
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D009626:Terminology as Topic