Development of a competency framework for a specialist dementia service
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 8 April 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a competency framework for staff working in a specialist service for people with dementia.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative and purposive methodology was used and included focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Content analysis together with synthesis of literature was used to generate the competency framework.
Findings
A competency framework was developed with eight main clusters. These were: skills for working effectively with people with dementia and their families; advanced assessment skills; enhancing psychological well-being; understanding behaviours; enhancing physical well-being; clinical leadership; understanding ethical and legal issues; and demonstrating skills in personal and professional development.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to include service user perspectives.
Practical implications
The framework could be implemented in practice by managers, health care professionals and training providers as a tool to identify strengths and limitations in knowledge skills and attitudes and to identify areas for competency development through specific training.
Originality/value
The competency framework contributes to the development of a training curriculum for staff working within a specialist service.
Keywords
Citation
Smythe, A., Jenkins, C., Bentham, P. and Oyebode, J. (2014), "Development of a competency framework for a specialist dementia service", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-08-2012-0024
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited