Value Of Certification Research Articles

Patient Decision Aid Selection for Shared Decision Making: A Multicase Qualitative Study.

The patient decision aid (PDA) is a promising patient engagement tool for use in shared decision making (SDM). Selecting a PDA is an essential precursor to successful SDM implementation. Little is known regarding the organizational stakeholder process for assessing and selecting a PDA. We conducted a qualitative, multicase study within the context of a maternal health decision to identify the criteria used by stakeholders to select a PDA. We further explored the perceived value of PDA certification on PDA selection. We reported the PDA selection criteria within the domains of (1) Design and Functionality, (2) User Fit, (3) Context and Climate, (4) Support, and (5) Strategic Vision and found that certification was perceived to be a valuable screening mechanism for smaller health organizations. Health organizations and researchers may use our PDA selection criteria and conceptual model to plan future deployments of PDAs and patient engagement tools.

The Perceived Value of Certification of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses.

There is no quantitative evidence as to how plastic and aesthetic nurses perceive the value of certification. The aim of this study was to determine how certified and noncertified plastic and aesthetic registered nurses (RNs), who are members of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN), perceive the value of certification. A secondary study aim was to compare perceptions of nurses who hold a CPSN (Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse), CANS (Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist), or both certifications with nurses who do not hold these certifications. Upon approval of the ISPAN Board of Directors, the researchers prepared a survey. The survey collected demographic information sufficient to capture a picture of the nurses participating in the survey and to compare profiles of certified and noncertified nurses. The Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT)-12 was used to obtain information about the nurses' perceived extrinsic and intrinsic values of certification. Overall, the highest level of agreement was found with the intrinsic value statements. Across all 12 items of the PVCT-12, participants who held a CPSN and/or CANS certification reported greater perceptions of the value of the CPSN and CANS certifications than participants who did not hold a CPSN or CANS certification. Certified participants' intrinsic and extrinsic value scores were found to be significantly higher than noncertified participants' scores. The extrinsic value statements of the PVCT-12 were the least endorsed. Extrinsic rewards in combination with added support and recognition for nurses may be what is necessary to increase the proportion of certified nurses.

Ever Present Need For Certification

For several years now I have spoken about the value of certification within the engineering community. The value stems not only from an individual perspective and the ability to demonstrate and prove your knowledge and experience, but also from the corporate and industry perspective in demonstrating that your company can provide a high level of expertise and quality. In this way, you can impact quality and standards throughout the industry. The need for demonstrated quality is evidenced today by the shortage of semiconductor chips.

The perceived value of public procurement and contract management certification

The perceived value of public procurement and contract management certification

INSTRUCTIONS: The Perceived Value of Certification of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses.

Plastic Surgical Nursing: January/March 2021 - Volume 41 - Issue 1 - p E1 doi: 10.1097/PSN.0000000000000362

Is Initial Board Certification Associated With Better Early Career Surgical Outcomes?

To determine if initial American Board of Surgery certification in general surgery is associated with better risk-adjusted patient outcomes for Medicare patients undergoing partial colectomy by an early career surgeon. Board certification is a voluntary commitment to professionalism, continued learning, and delivery of high-quality patient care. Not all surgeons are certified, and some have questioned the value of certification due to limited evidence that board-certified surgeons have better patient outcomes. In response, we examined the outcomes of certified versus noncertified early career general surgeons. We identified Medicare patients who underwent a partial colectomy between 2008 and 2016 and were operated on by a non-subspecialty trained surgeon within their first 5 years of practice. Surgeon certification status was determined using the American Board of Surgery data. Generalized linear mixed models were used to control for patient-, procedure-, and hospital-level effects. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of severe complications and occurrence of death within 30 days. We identified 69,325 patients who underwent a partial colectomy by an early career general surgeon. The adjusted rate of severe complications after partial colectomy by certified (n = 4239) versus noncertified (n = 191) early-career general surgeons was 9.1% versus 10.7% (odds ratio 0.83, P = 0.03). Adjusted mortality rate for certified versus noncertified early-career general surgeons was 4.9% versus 6.1% (odds ratio 0.79, P = 0.01). Patients undergoing partial colectomy by an early career general surgeon have decreased odds of severe complications and death when their surgeon is board certified.

Tracking the impact of nursing informatics

Tracking the impact of nursing informatics

A White Paper: Perceived Value of Certification for Nurses and Nurse Managers

Since the first RNs earned orthopaedic certification in 1988, over 12,000 nurses have proudly held the ONC credential. Today, nearly 7000 orthopaedic-certified nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists demonstrate excellence in the care of persons with musculoskeletal health concerns. Why did they choose certification? A representative sample of over 300 orthopaedic-certified nurses responded to a survey from the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) to confirm why they value their credentials and maintain specialty certification. Their answers offer compelling reasons for nurses to get, and keep, orthopaedic nursing certification.

What’s Your Motivation?

What’s Your Motivation?

The Evolving Role of the Professional Case Manager: A National Study From the Commission for Case Manager Certification: Part 2.

The purpose of the national role and function study was to identify the essential activities and necessary knowledge areas for effective professional case management practice from the perspective of those directly involved. The study also aimed to inform the relevance and currency of the blueprint for the case management certification examination. The national study covered the diverse case management practices and/or work settings across the full continuum of health and human services and numerous professional disciplines. This cross-sectional descriptive study used the practice analysis method and online survey research design. It employed a purposive sample of 2,810 certified and not yet certified case managers who responded to an open participation link made available as an online survey. The final study sample supported the conduct of meaningful statistical analyses including multiple subgroup comparisons. The study identified the common activities (6 domains) and knowledge areas (5 domains) necessary for effective performance by professional case managers. Part I of this 2-part article series described the background of the participants and their perspectives of the practice and the knowledge applied by those responsible for the case manager's role. Part II, as shared in this article, reports on the factor/principal component analysis and how such activity informed the needed update of the test specifications for the Certified Case Manager (CCM) certification examination. The update reflects the continued evolution of the professional case management practice and ensures that the examination remains current and relevant. Of special note is the maturation of the case management practice; for example, greater emphasis on quality, safety, and outcomes; baccalaureate or higher education; and recognition of the value of certification. In addition, the 2019 role and function study has revealed that utilization review/management is evolving potentially as a function that is separate from that of the case manager. The study has identified the essential activities and knowledge areas of case management practice at both the micro and macro levels. These findings represent the substantive evidence of practice, keeping the CCM credentialing examination evidence-based and maintaining its validity for evaluating the competency of professional case managers. They have also documented the evolution of the practice over the past 5 years. Moreover, the findings may inform the development of programs and curricula for the training and advancement of case managers. The study instrument also is beneficial for use in further research into professional case management practice.

What Is the Perceived Value of Certification Among Registered Nurses? A Systematic Review.

To explore how registered nurses (certified, noncertified, and managers) value certification as determined by the Perceived Value of Certification Tool, review the psychometric properties of the instrument, and ascertain the benefits and barriers to nursing specialty certification. Systematic review (without meta-analysis) of 18 studies representing 26,534 registered nurses. Rigorous processes were used to minimize bias; to identify, appraise, and synthesize studies to explore how registered nurses value certification; and to ascertain the benefits and barriers to nursing specialty certification. Psychometric properties of the Perceived Value of Certification Tool were also reviewed and evaluated. Methods and results are presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All studies included in the review were cross-sectional studies with observational, descriptive designs published between 2003 and 2019. The average study participant was a 49-year-old Caucasian woman with a bachelor of science in nursing degree and 20 years of experience working as a staff nurse in a hospital. In accordance with the results reported in all studies included in the systematic review, the highest level of agreement and strong agreement occurred with the intrinsic value statements of enhances feeling of personal accomplishment (n = 16,697; 97.8%), provides personal satisfaction (n = 16,607; 92.7%), and validates specialized knowledge (n = 16,697; 97%). The lowest levels of agreement and strong agreement occurred with the extrinsic value statements of promotes recognition from employers (n = 16,607; 78.6%), increases consumer confidence (n = 16,607; 73.3%), and increases salary (n = 16,607; 41.9%). The vigorous statistical work completed on the developmental study for the instrument conducted in 2003 has yet to be duplicated in the multiple studies published subsequently. The chiefly descriptive studies detailed in this systematic review are of limited usefulness in guiding future research. The Perceived Value of Certification Tool has proven useful in stimulating interest; however, a revision of the instrument is now required to promote research and patient outcome studies regarding the self-perceived value of certification in nursing specialties. This report systematically reviews 18 studies that have used the Perceived Value of Certification Tool, a tool that has been widely used since 2003, to measure the perceptions of registered nurses regarding specialty certification. This review provides evidence that the instrument has potential for expanded use in patient outcomes studies and should be revised to better serve the needs of researchers.

1183 Board-certified Sleep Medicine Physicians See A Greater Proportion Of Complex Sleep Patients Than Non-specialist Providers

Abstract Introduction Despite a growing literature regarding the impact of board-certification in sleep medicine, little is known about the complexity of patients seen by board-certified sleep medicine physicians (BCSMPs) relative to non-specialists. To address this gap, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the differences in sleep complaints among Medicare beneficiaries seen by BCSMPs relative to individuals seen by non-specialists. Methods Our data source was a random 5% sample of Medicare administrative claims data from 2006-2013. Sleep disorders were operationalized using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Descriptive analyses were performed to estimate the number of sleep disorder diagnoses patients received by provider status. BCSMPs were identified using a cross-matching procedure based on National Provider Identifier (NPI). Results A total of 57,209 Medicare beneficiaries received a sleep disorder diagnosis between 2006-2013. Of these, only 2.2% were seen by BCSMPs. Relative to beneficiaries seen by non-specialists, those seen by BCSMPs were more likely to be diagnosed with more than one sleep disorder (p<0.001). Specifically, 91.0% of individuals seen by non-specialists received only one sleep disorder diagnosis, whereas 75.9% of individuals seen by BCSMPs received only one sleep disorder diagnosis. Among beneficiaries seen by non-specialists, the most common sleep disorders were insomnia (48.2%; n=26,967), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; 31.4%; n=17,554), and restless legs syndrome (8.7%; n=4,871). Among those seen by BCSMPs, the most common sleep disorders were OSA, (70.4%; n=901), sleep apnea with hypersomnia (16.5%; n=211), and insomnia (11.7%; n=150). Conclusion BCSMPs see more complex sleep patients than do non-specialists. These results suggest the possibility that more complex patients are referred for sleep specialty care. Further, these results demonstrate the value of board certification in sleep medicine in caring for complex sleep patients. Support This research was supported by an AASM Strategic Research Award from the AASM Foundation to the University of Maryland, Baltimore (PI: EMW).

Signaling value of quality certification: Financing under asymmetric information

This study investigates signaling value of internationally-recognized quality certification in improving firm’s access to external finance for 39,638 mostly small and medium-sized firms in 137 countries. We find that certified firms have better access to external finance as compared to otherwise equal uncertified firms. Certified firms use more bank finance and equity capital while uncertified firms rely more on informal sources of finance. Quality certification helps firms to credibly signal their unobserved quality to creditors and investors, reduce informational asymmetry, and have better access to external finance. We also find that the signaling value of quality certification is stronger in presence of greater information asymmetry. Smaller firms and firms in less developed economies and financial systems benefit more from certifications by gaining better access to external finance.

Perceptions Regarding the Profile of an Ideal Project Manager

Nowadays, projects are a common mean of organizing activities in all fields, aspects concerning project management representing a current research topic. While people are considered the most valuable asset of an organisation, project managers can be seen as key players for projects’ success, a topic of great interest due to the high number of failing projects. The research aims to identify the profile of an ideal project manager, by presenting an overview of studies regarding the profile of a good project manager and, on the other hand, by analysing the perceptions of organisations’ managers and HR specialists regarding the profile of the project manager. The research method is based on the conjoint analysis, for a more realistic approach. Thus, a controlled set of different project manager candidates’ profiles is presented in pairs to respondents, who are asked to express their preference. As a result, the article proposes an instrument applicable within any organisation, to identify the profile of the project manager best suited for the role. Firstly, the empirical research provides evidence that persons involved in project managers’ selection perceive the value of education, certification, experience or soft skills differently, based on their professional role. Secondly, it shows that project management certifications are relevant for project managers' selection and are much appreciated around the world. Although each project requires specific skills and competencies for the project manager, the research ascertains a preferred profile based on the perception of over one hundred respondents, involved in the selection process of project managers.

The Value and Importance of Certification.

Renee J. Hinojosa, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CPSN, CANS, is Director of Medical Aesthetics at the Age Management Institute in Reno, NV. She has been active in the field of plastic surgical nursing for more than 27 years. She also provides medical aesthetic treatments for the practice of Dr. Phillip Dahan at Advanced Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In addition, she is a national trainer for AAI (Aesthetic Advancements Incorporated). Address correspondence to Renee J. Hinojosa, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CPSN, CANS, Age Management Institute, 9393 Gateway Dr, Reno, NV 89521 (e-mail: [email protected]). The author reports no conflicts of interest.

Pharmacists ascribing value of technician certification using an organizational behavior framework.

To gather rich details about the value of technician certification from diverse groups of pharmacists of various practice settings and levels of experience. Focus groups of pharmacists were conducted using a semistructured interview guide in 4 states (California, Idaho, Tennessee, and Washington) varying in pharmacy technician scope of practice, regulation, and education and/or training environment. Participant pharmacists came from health-system, clinic, and community pharmacy environments. The focus groups took the unique approach of an organizational behavior perspective to contextualize technician readiness for practice change and employer fit. The sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Rapid-based qualitative analysis was used to code the data, with summary templates completed by 2 of the researchers for each of the 4 sessions. There were a total of 33 focus group participants, including 13 male and 20 female pharmacists ranging in age from 27 to 68 years. The 4 major themes yielded by the data were (1) impact of certification, (2) context of certification, (3) organizational culture considerations, and (4) future credentialing. Certification was deemed to have a greater impact on technician maturation, professional socialization, and career commitment than on actual job skills, even while job knowledge was also deemed to be enhanced. In fact, the certification process was also deemed beneficial in that it meshes with on-the-job training. Participants indicated preferences for technician certification examinations to incorporate more content in "soft skills" and also for development of more specialty and/or differentiated certification products. Pharmacists from 4 states saw value in certification but agreed that certification is but one component of readying technicians for future practice. Suggestions for furthering the value of certification were shared.

The Perceived Value of Public Procurement and Contract Management Certification

The purpose of this research is to gain insight into how public procurement and contract management (PPCM) officials perceive the value of professional certification in their field. A survey instrument was sent to PPCM officials who are members of PPCM professional associations. Responses to the survey were received from 1809 PPCM officials and included both managers and non-managers. Officials were asked to provide their perceptions of the intrinsic and extrinsic values of certification, their perceptions of the value of certification to PPCM as a profession, and their perceptions of the value of certification to the organisations/agencies that employ PPCM practitioners. The results indicate that compared to uncertified PPCM respondents, certified PPCM respondents have higher intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to seek certification and view certification as more valuable to the profession and the organisation.

Factors determining organic consumers’ knowledge and practices with respect to wild plant foods: A countrywide study in Austria

Abstract Organically-certified wild plant foods are rarely addressed in scientific or public discourses on organic food even though 30% of the world’s organically-certified land is dedicated to wild plant gathering. This oversight may leave organic consumers unaware of the market relevance of wild plant foods. The aim of this study was therefore to understand organic consumers’ attitudes, knowledge and purchasing and gathering practices with respect to wild plant foods, and how sociodemographic variables and attitudes can predict knowledge and practices. A purposive sample was drawn from 22 urban and rural food markets across Austria and 497 organic consumers were interviewed using successive freelists and four-point Likert scale questions on attitudes. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regressions. Organic consumers knew a median of nine wild food plants, and reported five as being gathered and one as being purchased. They valued food quality and the responsible harvest of wild food plants, but assigned them a low economic relevance, with some respondents sceptical about their suitability as food. Rural residence, a higher share of organic consumption and a greater emphasis on responsible harvesting predicted knowledge and gathering of a larger number of plant species. These results confirm that organic consumers know, gather and have positive attitudes with respect to wild plant foods, although they are hardly aware about their market relevance. We argue that consumers need to be better informed about the wild origin of food ingredients and the added value of organic certification of wild plant foods.

Exploring employer perceptions of pharmacy technician certification in the community pharmacy setting.

With the evolving roles of pharmacy technicians in the United States, the profession has attempted to define a national standard. Community pharmacy employers to-date have preferred on-the-job training to formal, accredited training programs or credentialing, however, limited evidence exists on the perceived needs of pharmacy technicians in the United States compared to those of community pharmacy employers. The aims of this study were to explore: 1) community pharmacy employer perceptions of associated benefits and perceived value of pharmacy technician certification and 2) needs of employers related to pharmacy technician attitudes and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Using a semi-structured interview guide, researchers interviewed 7 community pharmacy employers within top management teams in a variety of community pharmacy settings. The data were analyzed for themes using the human capital vs. signal theory. Employers and managers generally saw both attitude and KSAs as vital to success. However, given a choice between experience and attitude, attitude was preferred. There was general agreement that certified technicians offered more value to their organization, however gaps in certified technician KSAs were noted (i.e., lack of day-to-day practical skills, vaccination screening, motivating patients to change behaviors, patient communication and workflow management). New emerging directions for certification now exist due to the rapidly shifting pharmacy landscape, which is revolves around new and expanded clinical patient care services. This shifting landscape has exposed gaps, reinforced strengths, and uncovered potential new opportunities and needs related to technician certification.

Signaling Value of Quality Certification: Financing Under Asymmetric Information

In this paper, I examine the signaling value of internationally-recognized quality certification in improving firm’s access to finance for 39,638 mostly small and medium-sized firms in 137 countries. I find that certified firms have better access to external finance as compared to otherwise equal uncertified firms. Certified firms use more bank finance and equity capital while uncertified firms rely more on informal sources of finance. Quality certification helps firms to credibly signal their unobserved quality to creditors and investors, reduce informational asymmetry, and have better access to external finance. I also find that the signaling value of quality certification is stronger in presence of greater information asymmetry. Smaller firms and firms in less developed economies and financial systems benefit more from certification by gaining better access to external finance.