Suggests that schools of allied health may have to collaborate with professional organizations in identifying individual deficiencies in clinical practice and in offering remedial, continuing education programs that address these deficiencies. The rationale for the assumption of this unique responsibility for determining and maintaining clinical…

This report discusses a working group convened in Varna, Bulgaria, by the World Health Organization to examine trends, issues, and problems regarding assessment of health professional competence and to prepare guidance to improve existing arrangements. Following a summary of the proceedings, the main portion of the paper reports main findings and…

The value of a role in a profession is often tied to demand for and supply of practitioners in this role. Since a profession may seek to sustain its role's value by influencing supply of recognized practitioners, the National Commission for Health Certifying Agencies has included in its membership criteria a requirement for administrative…

Reports that vocational health occupations programs are undergoing a self-analysis process including evaluation of competency and continuing competency. Presents perspectives of health professionals with comparisons to nursing and medical technology credentialing and continuing education. These perspectives are intended for other occupational…

A project examined the curriculum in the health occupations program to determine what curriculum changes will be necessary to keep pace with and anticipate advances in health occupations. A statewide Texas health occupations education review committee composed of employers, graduates, educators, a union representative, and representatives from…

Explores the relationship between academic assessment and assessment of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) for health professionals in Britain. Examines the relationship between competence and excellence or expertise and the development of reflective practitioners. Raises concerns about using NVQs in professional occupations. (SK)

Discusses potential uses of self-instructional units in professional education programs and suggests ways self-instructional units might be used to promote interdisciplinary health care and expansion of professional knowledge banks. (Author/CT)

The public recognition that health care can be preventive as well as treatment oriented provides new opportunities for allied health professionals to expand their traditional patient education roles. This article describes health education, the competencies it requires, and the conditions that facilitate successful learning outcomes. (Author/CT)

Social work education is lacking in preparation of students for work in the health care field. Thirteen content areas necessary for this work are outlined, and both macro- and micro-levels of specialization are encouraged. Whether education should focus on current practice or be developed for future practice designs is discussed. (MSE)

Written tests do not project clinical optometric competence very well at present. However, the basic skills and knowledge necessary for competence can be measured, even if diagnostic and treatment skills cannot by current means. (MSE)

Competence, defined as the ability to accomplish an essential performance characteristic in a satisfactory fashion, is examined from the podiatric education viewpoint. The factors involved in continuing competence, factors making continuing competence essential in health professions, and basic problems relating to clinical competence are…

The production of a competent health practitioner requires effective cooperative effort from certifying agencies, accrediting agencies, and educational institutions. Information exchange among certifiers, accreditors, educators, and employers should be liberal. Such exchange must not violate confidentiality, especially in the matter of documents,…

Implications of competency-based education for dental assistants and hygienists are examined. Such an approach would provide assistance in defining evolving roles in delivery of dental care; help in defining national competencies and analyzing appropriateness of current care; and a mechanism for developing curriculum that responds to community…

A project was conducted to examine the health occupations education program in New York State. Through a series of committee meetings, members of the health professions and educators from high schools, colleges, technical institutes, and regional agencies discussed a number of issues that should be considered as the health occupations curriculum…