Competency Frameworks in Practice: An Unnatural Tool

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Education and Assessment in the Professions Poster Session

Abstract

A significant limitation of competency profiles is that competencies are typically context-free while competent practice is situated within learning, practice, and political systems. Using a single unit, embedded case study approach, resident competence was examined within an emergency medicine community of practice and contrasted against the Canadian competency profile for emergency medicine (CanMEDS). Using thematic analysis, nine themes were identified, which reveal a consistent understanding of competence across an interprofessional practice team. The salience of these themes varied across the practice groups, which illuminates the impact of the practitioner’s viewpoint and the location of the resident in prioritizing the importance of these themes. In practice, competency is assessed using a contrasting organizational structure to the competency profile.

Author

• Marcia Docherty, Camosun College