Core competencies: the next generation. Comparison of a common framework for multiple professions

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education
• Professional competency frameworks
• Interprofessional practice

Background:

• The CanMEDS framework, originally for medical education, provides core competencies for health professionals.
• Previous work applied this model to medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing.
• A need exists to bridge discipline-specific knowledge gaps in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of the CanMEDS competency model to four additional health professions.
• To foster a cultural shift from discipline-specific training to interprofessional collaboration.
• To establish a common language for assessing essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• The CanMEDS framework's core competencies were adapted and applied.
• The model was implemented across medical radiation technology, social work, pharmacy, and psychology.
• The study focused on identifying transferable competencies across diverse healthcare roles.

Main Results:

• The competency model successfully mapped to the targeted professions.
• Core competencies were identified as common across the four new disciplines.
• The framework facilitated a shared understanding of professional requirements.

Conclusions:

• The CanMEDS competency model is adaptable to a broader range of health professions.
• Applying a common framework supports interprofessional education and practice.
• This approach aids in developing a unified language for healthcare competency assessment.