Development of a Performance Standard and Assessment Tool for Ventilator Hyperinflation Competency

Abstract

Background and objective: It is imperative that the clinical workforce in the health sciences professions has the right qualifications, skills and approaches to provide safe and high-quality health-care. The reduction of variability and improved consistency of practice are key goal of professional practice across the health science professions, particularly with regard to evidence-based techniques. The objective of this study was to develop a performance standard and assessment tool for the assessment of competency in the performance of ventilator hyperinflation by physiotherapists. Method and results: Development of the performance standard was facilitated by an allied health professional with expertise in competency-based training and coupled with a subject matter expert. Key components of the performance standard developed included the elements and the performance criteria which are based on the required skills and knowledge to perform a selected task (in this case ventilator hyperinflation) independently. The performance standard was successfully implemented as part of the training program within the department. Conclusions: An assessment tool based on the development of a performance standard can be used to assess competency in the performance of clinical tasks, such as ventilator hyperinflation by physiotherapists, for the primary purposes of reducing practice variability, optimizing evidence-based practice, evaluation of training efficacy and in research. External validation of the performance standard and assessment tool is required and future research should focus on evaluating these in the context of Kirkpatrick’s hierarchy including healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.