Core Competencies

Core Competencies for all professions

There are a variety of different healthcare professions (Nursing, speech pathology, physiotherapy, radiological technology, etc.) so there is a large spectrum of competencies which are specific to each profession. However, competencies are split between clinical competencies and core competencies.

At Dalhousie University, we use the Canadian Inter-professional Health Collaborative (CIHC) National Inter-professional Competency Framework (2010). This describes the six competency domains, they highlight knowledge, skill, attitudes, and values.

The six domains are:


 * Role Clarification
 * Team Functioning


 * Inter-professional Communication
 * Patient/Client/Family/Community-Centered Care
 * Inter-professional Conflict Resolution
 * Collaborative Leadership

Each of the six domains can be assessed at three different levels – exposure, immersion, and integration. *If we want to include the 6 domains at each of the 3 levels let me know, I can forward the IPHE 4900 syllabus if you don’t have it already – just trying to keep this least wordy as possible*

Aside from core competencies and the three levels of each domain, there are also levels that are similar to the three levels that Dalhousie uses for their Health Science programs:


 * Level 1 Readiness (S1) – Know and be ready to act upon a sequence of steps in a process. Recognize one’s abilities and limitations (health and safety)
 * Level 2 Attempting (S2)- Observe and pattern behavior after someone else, following instructions and practicing. Adequacy of performance is achieved by practicing


 * Level 3 Basic Proficiency (S3) – Learned responses have become habitual and the movement can be performed with confidence, precision and proficiency. Conscious competence.
 * Level 4 Full Proficiency (S4) – Skillful performance involves complex integration of concepts. Proficiency is indicated by a timely, accurate, and highly coordinated performance. This category includes performing without hesitation and automatic performance.

www.CIHC.ca