Using a case scenario approach to evaluate age-specific competencies

Age-specific competencies for staff members having direct patient contact is a requirement of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This article addresses an annual competency evaluation of perioperative staff members relating to age-specific criteria. Several types of case scenarios were developed and given to staff members (eg, RNs, surgical technologists, OR assistants, postanesthesia care unit attendants) according to their specific job descriptions and responsibilities within the surgical services department. A case scenario format was used because of the variety of health care personnel and the ability to manipulate the scenarios according to the needs of patients, staff members, and the institution. The evaluation tools were meant to adequately assess staff members' abilities to care for patients throughout the life span.