Why the Emphasis on Competencies
{"Image DocumentName": "Why the Emphasis on Competencies?", "Image ImageDescription": "CoARC Update. 11/16/2009. Why the Emphasis on Competencies? Increasing shift from a traditional, curriculum-centric approach of defining required courses to an outcomes-centric approach that establishes requisite competencies as the primary means to assess the achievement of expected student learning outcomes. Increased demand for allied health professionals who offer a wider range of clinical skills, greater experience in independent practice, more flexibility in adapting to various practice settings, and who are culturally sensitive, team-focused, and possess interpersonal and listening skills (O Neil & Pew Health Professions Commission, 1998, p. 47). The movement to competency-based education began in the 1970s and has since gained considerable momentum, particularly in the past decade due largely to growing concerns about patient safety (Institute of Medicince, 2001). Furthermore, educators recognized the value of using the competency approach to guide educational program design\u2014to develop specific learning objectives for each competency (AAMC-HHMI Committee, 2009). In today\u2019s knowledge economy, it is not sufficient for a graduate to demonstrate adequate basic cognitive skills and professional competencies. The nature of the health care field also requires that the graduate be able to work in teams, be a creative problem solver, and communicate with a diverse set of colleagues and patients. Employers and higher education institutions have become more cognizant of the role that such so-called \u2018soft\u2019 or non-cognitive skills play in the successful performance in both academic and nonacademic arenas (Swyer, Millett, & Payne, 2006, p. 14). Calls by the public and policymakers for increased transparency and accountability as well as heightened consumerism have also influenced the shift to a competency-centered, outcomes-based approach to accreditation and the emphasis for accreditors to focus their standards on assessing the degree to which the professions are creating a skilled, competent, and globally competitive workforce. In December 1998, the Pew Commission on the Health Professions published the report, Recreating Health Professional Practice for a New Century, that outlines a number of recommendations aimed at transforming the health professions workforce (O Neil & Pew Health Professions Commission, 1998). Among the recommendations was a call for health professions programs to realign training and education to be more consistent with the changing needs of the care delivery system . To assist in this process, the Pew Commission revised its 1993 competencies and identified twenty-one competencies for a changing health care system: Embrace a personal ethic of social responsibility and service; Exhibit ethical behavior in all professional activities; Provide evidence-based, clinically competent care; Incorporate the multiple determinants of health in clinical care; Apply knowledge of the new sciences; Demonstrate critical thinking, reflection, and problem-solving skills; Understand the role of primary care; Rigorously practice preventive health care; Integrate population-based care and services into practice; Improve access to health care for those with unmet health needs; Practice relationship-centered care with individuals and families; Provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse society; Partner with communities in health care decisions; Use communication and information technology effectively and appropriately; Work in interdisciplinary teams; Ensure care that balances individual, professional, system and societal needs; Practice leadership; Take responsibility for quality of care and health outcomes at all levels; Contribute to continuous improvement of the health care system; Advocate for public policy that promotes and protects the health of the public; Continue to learn and help others learn (O Neil & Pew Health Professions Commission, 1998, pp ) AARC BOD Meeting.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}