*TS:Tracer Methodology 101: Competence Assessment Tracer in a Hospital[@] [REF: HR, JCSC, §48] The Source, January 2015, Vol 13, #1, Pg 2 JCs1501_B04

Although not listed specifically as a type of tracer in the survey activity guide, surveyors can decide to conduct a tracer related to competence. In addition to general comments about what competency is, its scope and the importance of leadership involvement, the article also warns of several common compliance challenges to include:

• Not defining competencies for a particular discipline or individual
• Not documenting the assessment
• Not using the correct/appropriate person to perform the assessment
• Not updating competencies when a staff person changes roles/responsibilities
• Managers unable to explain how competencies were determined

Tip: This tracer is elective, but the competence Assessment session it also relates to is a routine part of a survey. In addition to conducting a mock tracer to assess your process, use the identified challenges, tracer scenario and 9 sample questions provided in this article as pre-survey preparation for the competence interview. See also: The SPHCC Survey Session Support Page for Competence Assessment
§48: Competence Assessment