Certification

This article provides an historical overview of the three major ways that nursing regulates the profession, its members, and their performance, i.e., licensure, certification, and accreditation. Each type of regulation mechanism is described and differences between them are explained. Current issues related to accreditation of schools of nursing are outlined. [abstract]

This study explores the details of the process leading to the equivalence determination of qualifications and degrees for the education and training of the health professions in Thailand. [from abstract]

The main objective of the Ministry of Health (MOH) certification program, which will be called the Health Worker Certification System (HWCS), is to achieve a standard level of quality provided by all health workers. To achieve this level of quality it is critical that the skills of each health worker by certified through a competency-based test. This system of testing will require that all training of health workers in the future be focused on combining knowledge acquisition with hands-on competency based skills, rather than just didactic training. Refresher training and recertification will also be required in order to ensure a basic level of quality.

Credentialing of health care providers, facilities and educational institutions is an integral component in building and sustaining robust HRH systems. This technical brief examines the characteristics and potential advantages of credentialing mechanisms and common challenges faced in implementing them in low-resource settings. [from author]

This monograph provides a brief overview of several aspects of quality assurance, including its cost-effectiveness and its feasibility in less developed countries. The monograph describes the dimensions of quality, the four principles of quality assurance, the QA process, and key activities in the development of a QA program. Activities/tools: QA cycle (since replaced by the QA triangle); analytical tools, including the cause and effect (fishbone) diagram, flowchart, and systems model; statistical and presentation tools, including the run chart, histogram, check sheets, pareto chart, scattergram, and control chart. [publisher’s description]

This study indicates that healthcare professionals are using mostly clinical handover meetings, seminars and workshops for their continued professional development (CPD). There is need to improve access to relevant professional journals. The regulatory or licensing boards for healthcare professionals in Malawi should seriously consider mandatory CPD credits for re-certification. [author’s description]