Clinic Competency Evaluation Tools

Medical clinics around the world address the competency of doctors, nurses, students studying medicine and any other individual associated with the hospital or clinic. Evaluation tools are designed for the clinic to evaluate the overall competence with a specific set standard. Clinical competency evaluation tools make determining individual competence simple and standardized.

Competence Evaluation Forms

• Evaluation forms are paperwork forms that either a supervisor or the individual fills out which determine competence. Typically, it asks questions and requires filling in answers according to different levels of competence on a specific scale. Scales are usually one to five scales where five is competent and one is not competent. Self-assessment forms are typically used during study periods, when students are learning. In the case of student self-evaluations, the expected result is that over the course, students will gradually improve their self-competence scores due to further education and experience.

Exams and Tests

• Educators use exams and tests for students in clinical work that are still learning the skills necessary for working in a hospital or clinic setting. Usually, tests are given at specific times and the students are aware of the tests beforehand. Competency tests are typically hands-on tests where the student cannot harm a patient, but where they show their skills and learning. Tests differ for each clinic, the student and the specific skills the student requires.

Policy and Procedures

• Policies and procedures used in the clinic are part of the competency evaluation of a clinic. Methods used in any clinic differ from those used elsewhere. Supervisors determine the competency of the staff by how the clinic works and the procedures the clinic offers. While most clinics will offer similar services and have similar policies, using older procedures or using new technological procedures can change the competence of the staff and clinic.

Patient Surveys

• Health managers use patient surveys to determine overall experience and competence of the entire clinical staff. These are either paperwork the patient fills out about his experiences or questions the staff asks directly when care of the patient is complete. The patient evaluates her experiences and gives her opinion about clinical competency. Patients evaluate nurses, students, doctors and any other staff associated with their care.