Multicompetent health professionals: needs, combinations, and curriculum development

Goals of this study included the investigation of the need for multicompetent health practitioners, the relationship between hospital size and perception of this need, and feasible combinations of professions and skills from the employer's perspective. Surveys of health professions alumni and hospital administrators revealed a perception of need for multicompetency regardless of hospital size or profession. Hospital administrators identified medical technology/radiology technology; nursing/respiratory therapy; and physical therapy/occupational therapy as the three combinations with the greatest potential for benefit; these related well to alumni perceptions of a need for added skills in other professions. This article also suggests a general approach to multicompetency curriculum development.