JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Personalized Precision Medicine represents a paradigm shift and a new reality for the healthcare system, with training being a fundamental instrument to contribute to its full implementation and application in clinical practice. In this sense, healthcare professionals face educational challenges related to the acquisition of competencies aimed at performing their professional practice in an optimal, efficient, and quality manner in this new environment. The definition of competencies for healthcare professionals provides a clear guide on the level of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to adequately carry-out their professional practice. In this context, the acquisition of competencies by healthcare professionals can be defined as a dynamic and longitudinal process, by which they use knowledge, skills, attitudes, and good judgment associated with their profession in order to be able to develop it effectively in all situations corresponding to their field of practice.

Objective:

The aim of this document is to define a proposal of essential knowledge domains and common competencies for all healthcare professionals, necessary to optimally develop their professional practice in Personalized Precision Medicine as a fundamental part of the Medicine of the Future.

Methods:

Based on the analysis carried out and with the vision of a multidisciplinary group of experts, a new competency framework was defined that would guarantee the optimal performance of the healthcare occupations in Personalized Precision Medicine. As a basis for the development of this report, the most relevant national and international competency frameworks and training programs were analyzed to identify those aspects that are having an impact on the application of Personalized Precision Medicine and that will have to be considered when developing the competencies of the professionals of the future. One working group and an extended group of experts provided input, having been this process facilitated by personal interviews and two workshops.

Results:

This report defines a framework made up of 58 competencies structured into five essential domains: Determinants of Health, Biomedical informatics, Practical applications, Participatory health, and Bioethics plus a cross-cutting domain that impacts the overall performance of the competencies linked to each of the above domains. Likewise, six professional profiles to which this proposal of a competency framework is addressed, were identified, and defined, according to the area where they carry out their professional activity: Healthcare, Laboratory, Digital Health, Community Health, Research, Management and Planning. In addition, a classification is proposed by progressive levels of training that would be advisable to acquire for each competency according to the professional profile.

Conclusions:

This competency framework characterizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by healthcare professionals for the practice of Personalized Precision Medicine. Additionally, a classification by progressive levels of training is proposed for six professional profiles identified and defined, according to their professional activity.