Competencies in Healthcare and Their Impact on Work Culture

By Tom Maliszewski AAS, CCEMT-P, Platinum Educational Group

Competencies in healthcare encompass knowledge, traits, skills, and abilities that play a crucial role in developing quality care and shaping workplace culture. This article explores how competencies influence work culture in healthcare and their role in improving patient outcomes, promoting evidence-based medicine, fostering collaboration, innovation, and ethical practice.

As healthcare delivery becomes more complex, policymakers emphasize assessing both the initial competence of students and the ongoing competence of practitioners (Lenburg, 1999, as cited in Kak et al., 2021). Healthcare reform highlights the importance of employee competencies and the need to instill lifelong learning, beginning in clinical and educational settings.

Clinical competencies reflect the ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively to achieve desired outcomes. Regular assessments help determine proficiency and ensure validated tracking methods (Kak et al., 2021). Prioritizing competencies reinforces accountability and empowers employees to perform at their best. Atul Gawande (2010) notes that effective checklists are precise and efficient—helping even skilled professionals avoid errors. This approach benefits both staff and patients and is vital for accreditation, certification, and licensure. Research also shows that alignment between an individual’s competencies and job requirements enhances performance and patient care.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are key to a positive healthcare culture. A well-functioning care team—such as one supporting a diabetic patient—includes various professionals who coordinate, educate, and support the patient ("Core Competencies Needed for Health Care Professionals," 2003). Communication built on active listening, empathy, and mutual respect strengthens collaboration and trust, leading to better outcomes. Patient-centered care further depends on communication competencies. Providers must respect patient differences, values, and preferences; relieve suffering; coordinate continuous care; and educate and advocate for wellness ("Core Competencies Needed for Health Care Professionals," 2003). Additionally, implicit bias training helps providers recognize unconscious prejudices that may leave some patients underserved.

Evidence-based medicine is another essential competency, requiring providers to integrate the best research with clinical expertise and patient values. Organizations should track ongoing training and professional development to ensure care remains aligned with current best practices ("Core Competencies Needed for Health Care Professionals," 2003). In conclusion, by prioritizing and assessing competencies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions can ensure their staff possess the necessary attributes to deliver safe, effective, and ethical care. Technical skills, communication, and continuous learning contribute to improved outcomes, collaboration, innovation, and a positive work culture.

References

The Core Competencies Needed for Health Care Professionals. (2003). In A. C. Greiner & E. Knebel (Eds.), Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality. National Academies Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221519/#__NBK221519_dtls__

Kak, N., Burkhalter, B., & Cooper, M. (2021, July). Measuring the Competence of Healthcare Providers. https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pnacm829.pdf

Understanding the Importance of Healthcare Competency Assessment Programs. (2021, April). https://www.healthstream.com/resource/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-healthcare-competency-assessment-programs#:~:text=What%20Is%20Competency%20for%20Healthcare,or%20completing%20a%20technical%20checklist