Current Status of Key Competencies among Medical Students: A Latent Profile Analysis

The purpose of this study was to understand the overall level of key competencies of medical students and explore the potential profile of key competencies, promoting quality education, and improving the quality talent cultivation in medical colleges. A stratified random sampling method selected 734 medical students from four medical colleges in Chongqing Province of China. A general information questionnaire and a key competencies survey questionnaire were used to conduct the survey. The overall score and scores of each dimension of key competencies were analyzed. Latent profile analysis was conducted to classify the key competencies of medical students and compare the distribution differences of demographic variables among different categories. The results showed that 26% of medical students have never heard of the concept of key competencies, and 59% of them are not familiar with the content related to key competencies. The score of key competencies is 3.66 ± 0.60, with the highest score in the dimension of responsibility and the lowest score in the dimension of humanistic accomplishment. The latent profile analysis classified them into three categories: “low key competencies group (14.71%)”, “medium key competencies group (36.79%)”, and “high key competencies group (48.50%)”. The R3STEP regression analysis results showed statistically significant differences in educational level and whether they served as student cadres among different key competencies categories of medical students. This paper discusses three different potential key competencies categories among medical students, and the overall level of key competencies is relatively good. However, medical students lack a comprehensive and systematic understanding of key competencies. Humanistic accomplishment, healthy living, and practical innovation are the three dimensions with lower scores and should be given more attention. Medical colleges should integrate the concept of key competencies into teaching and implement it in medical practice to cultivate more high-quality medical talents for society.

Core competencies and perceived training needs of nurses in the background of Internet plus nursing service:a qualitative descriptive study

Background:The Internet plus nursing service program is being piloted in China,which has become a new home nursing service model led by nurses.To enable safe and effective homecare service delivery,nurses working in the program need a high level of competency.However,the content of these core competencies and the training needs of nurses for Internet plus nursing services are still unknown.Aim:To describe nurses’perceptions of core competencies and training needs to work in the Internet plus nursing service program,thereby providing a reference for the development of training programs.Methods:A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 15 nurses with experience of working in the Internet plus nursing service program.Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim,and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results:Core competencies involved comprehensive assessment competence,direct care practice competence,health education and consulting competence,risk estimation and response competence,and communication competence.Training needs involved complex operational items,knowledge of chronic disease management,professional communication,risk identification and response,nursing standards,norms,and procedures,and utilization of information technology.Conclusions:The training system may be developed based on nurses’core competencies and their training needs to promote professional development of the Internet plus nursing service.

Exploring internship nursing students’ perception of gerontological nursing competencies: A descriptive study at Cairo University Hospitals

Objective:This research study explores the perceptions of gerontological nursing competencies,attitudes toward older individuals,and the willingness to provide care for the elderly among internship nursing students.Materials and Methods:A convenience sample of 350 internship nursing students from Cairo University Faculty of Nursing participated in the study.Data were collected using a set of comprehensive tools,including personal data and work experience assessment,the Hartford geriatric nurse competency tool,Kogan’s attitudes toward old people scale,and the modified elderly patient care inventory.Results:Descriptive analysis revealed balanced gender representation,with 60%identifying as female.Seventy percent of participants reported prior experience in gerontological care.Self-assessed competency scores indicated moderate proficiency in communication,physiological changes,and functional status assessment.Areas such as pain management and restraint use demonstrated potential gaps in self-perceived skills.Attitudes toward older individuals were predominantly positive,and the willingness to provide care showed positive tendencies,with a minor degree of hesitation noted.Conclusion:The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in nursing education to address competency gaps,enhance positive attitudes,and alleviate potential hesitations in caregiving for older individuals.As the elderly population continues to grow,nursing education programs must prepare future practitioners to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Cultivation of Core Competencies of History in Middle Schools:Taking the Lesson of Primitive Farming Life as an Example

The cultivation of history teaching in middle schools involves many aspects and multi-level teaching factors such as classroom teaching objectives,teaching methods and teaching means.Taking the Lesson of Primitive Farming Life in the seventh grade volume 1 of People’s Education Press as an example,this paper discussed the cultivation of core competencies of history in middle schools,to improve the implementation process of history courses and promote the cultivation of students’discipline competencies.

Comparing Basic Social Competencies among Nursing Students before and during the Pandemic

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the practical curriculum in over 80% of Japanese nursing universities is shorted. The study aimed to clarify the change in basic social competencies among nursing students by comparing their scores before and during the pandemic. Method: Retrospective data from 235 responses from 3rd-grade nursing students were analyzed. The data were separated into two groups—158 respondents before-pandemic and 77 respondents during-pandemic. Respondents were asked to complete a measurement scale two months after the beginning of the 3rd-grade module. Results: Our results showed the during-pandemic group’s averages were higher than the before-pandemic group’s. During the pandemic, nursing students using home-based online learning could not self-evaluate accurately because they could not practice in the field. Conclusion: Nursing students who were studying during the during-pandemic self-assessed themselves higher than those who were studying during the before-pandemic because they could not compare with the other students, and the results showed that misunderstandings may arise.

Transversal Competencies of a Clinical Mentor in Nursing Graduate Studies

Introduction: The focus of clinical mentoring in nursing specialists is to develop both generic or transversal skills, as well as specific skills needed to assess their profile and become a graduate student under the guidance of experts. Objective: The objective of this study is to diagnose the transversal competencies of clinical mentors from the Unique Program of Nursery Specialties (UPNS) in student body training. Method: This study utilized a descriptive and phenomenological interpretative approach. Twelve informants from UPNS participated, and the variables were clinical mentoring and transversal competencies from novice and senior mentors. Two focus groups were conducted for data collection, and data analysis was performed according to Strauss and Corbin. All participants provided signed informed consent. Results: Post-analysis of qualitative data revealed three categories with subcategories. Category 1: Strengths of clinical mentors in three dimensions. Sub-categories: 1.1) PD: Academic and personal companionship;1.2) PD: Guidance with humanist focus and feedback from mentor to student in real scenarios;1.3) PD: Guidance in the teaching-learning process;1.4) DD: Integration of theoretical-practical knowledge and development of advanced abilities in nursing for clinical practice;1.5) CD: Responsibility and commitment from student’s characteristics to group’s general statements. Category 2: Competencies that lead the clinical mentor in pedagogy, discipline and generic dimensions, reported 9 subcategories six of them focused on the didactics of clinical mentors, and three on the interpersonal communication between mentors. Category 3: Opportunity areas to develop by the clinical mentor. From a mentor’s perspective, eight subcategories revealed transversal competencies that define a clinical mentor for UPNS. In this state, competencies are oriented toward the pedagogical and interpersonal communication dimensions, but central aspects are recognized between disciplines, namely, precise theoretical-practical knowledge, clinical experience in the field of specialty, certification as a specialist, and updated knowledge. Conclusions: The profile of clinical mentors from UPNS clearly identifies transversal competencies in clinical teaching and interpersonal communication, both of which are important. In terms of professional competencies, there are leaders in nursing specialty, meaning that these competencies are specific in such cases.

Cultivation of Students’Four Core Competencies in American English Class

In the 21^st century,students’core competencies will be the main competitive factors in a fast-changing society.Stu⁃dents will benefit a lot from them in their future job hunting and life-long learning.Developing their students’competencies be⁃comes a first and foremost task in American English class.

A Comparative Study on the Cultivation Path of Key Competencies and STEAM Competencies

The concept of STEAM education is essentially a multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary,integrated talent training model,based on the transformation of the world economic system and the response to the impact of education reform throughout the world.In recent years,schools in China have put forward educational theories for the integration and grafting of STEAM education based on the different cognition in Key Competencies and STEAM Competencies.This article first discusses the two initial concepts to identify cognitive bias;then,the curriculum design to explore the implementation of the two different strategies and the effect of the evaluation criteria described.

Multidimensional Rasch Analysis of Twentyfirst Century Core Competencies--Perspective of University Students in China

This study aimed to explore university students'perceptions on the importance of core competencies for the 21st century.A crosssectional survey research using a self-report questionnaire involving 48 Likert-type items was used to collect data from 869 university students in China who voluntarily participated.Multidimensional analysis with Rasch rating scale model found the data fitted the Rasch model well.The results showed that Chinese university students placed strong importance on the majority of competencies listed in the modified questionnaire of 21st Century Core Competencies for Higher Education,especially in competence groups of Interpersonal Communication and Character and Civic Literacy but less so in those of Creativity and Problem Solving and Global and International Perspective.

Diversified Teaching Methods in Nursing:Using Animal Experimentation to Promote Core Professional Competencies in Basic Nursing Training

Objective： The aim of this project was to train highly professional and specialized nursing students from medical colleges to adapt to bedside clinical care by exploring and discussing various methods of injection and IV infusion in animal experimentation to hone the core professional nursing competencies. Methods： Two classes from the 2012 senior graduating nursing class were randomly selected by a computer to conduct the diversified practical teaching methods based on animal experimentation. A hospital environment was simulated by requiring students to perform different types of injections and practical IV infusion techniques. A comprehensive evaluation of the core professional competencies, as well as other integrated competencies, was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the teaching methods. Results： Two-sampled, pairwise u-tests were performed between the scores of the experimental （nursing class 2） and control （nursing class 1） groups. These findings showed that the overall test scores were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group and that the average P-values for the competencies in various categories were 〈0.01, which indicated statistically significant results. Conclusions： Based on the data from this project, diversified teaching methods for basic nursing training founded on animal experimentation can help nursing students perfect their core professional competencies and improve their overall professional standing. The introduction of animal experimentation requires further verification, and an increased acknowledgement of its benefits through the widespread dissemination of this information.

Personal Tacit Knowledge and Global Learning Professional Competencies—Multi-Dimensional Relationships

Global learning professional competencies (GLPCs) are essential for college students to be able to address the impact of globalization in the 21st century. Organizations and society-at-large look to higher education to prepare college students with GLPCs. In addition, there is a body of literature that suggest personal tacit knowledge enhance GLPCs. However, researchers have done little from an empirical perspective to determine the relationship between the use of P-T K and enhancement of GLPCs, hence the purpose of this study. The statistical results revealed significant correlations, p st century knowledge society through use of P-T K.

Identifying the core competencies of backup nurses in the acute care hospital through a modified Delphi process

Background:The backup nurses are created to meet emergencies in the case of inadequate nursing staff and emergency circumstances,and there are no clear definitions of the core competencies for training and evaluation of backup nurses in the acute care hospitals in China.Methods:This study used a modified Delphi process where an initial list of potential competencies is established following a framework of training need analysis(TNA),literature review,and focus groups.This process generated as a list of 47 core competencies,which is presented to an expert panel(n=20)for consideration in two rounds.Results:As determined by the survey,a combination of 26 core competencies in three specified categories is identified:professional practice ability,critical thinking ability,and interpersonal skills.A total of 154.99 h is required to complete all 26 core competencies,and each item has a corresponding evaluation method.Conclusions:The core competencies provide a scientific basis for the hospital nursing managers to train and evaluate backup nurses,and it may ensure consistency in standards across the country.

The Communicative Competencies Depicted in “Buthsarana”

The characteristic of any literary tradition is to enhance the knowledge of human beings psychologically,biologically,and philosophically.This characteristic is seen in most of the literary creations of classical Sinhala literary tradition.The literary features of classical Sinhala literary tradition are enriched with its own communication competencies,which are created to up lift the noble and spiritual qualities.This study was completed by studying the communication competencies depicted in classical Sinhala literary tradition,in relation to“Buthsarana”,which was written by Vidyachakrawarthi,in the early part of Dambadeniya Era.Accordingly,the research was done based on the features such as narrative style,writing techniques,language techniques,performing ability,and social analysis.Vidyachakrawarthi in his book brings forth the“Nava Arahaadi Budu Guna”(Nine Great Qualities)of Lord Buddha using the devotive path to enhance the wisdom of devotees.In that process Vidyachakrawarthi uses a creative communication method.An inherent narrative style,prose writing rules and styles are used to present the content regularly.Moreover,the content of the stories has been created by occupying language techniques and social analysis,while making it easy to understand the“Nava Arahaadi Budu Guna”of Lord Buddha.Therefore,a perspicuous narrative style and creative language competency are included in“Buthsarana”.The agreement of the format and the content specialties are capable of providing the reader with inter cultural understanding,building cultural relationships,new ways of thinking,by creating devotion in the minds of the reader.Therefore,“Buthsarana”has provided the society with physical and mental motivation.Thus it could be shown that,with the success of the format and the communication competency included,“Buthsarana”is an effective communication mode which is capable of awaking the critical thinking of the reader.

Competencies of Accounting Graduates at Catanduanes State University

This is a benchmark study that evaluates the competencies of Catanduanes State University(CSU)Accounting Graduates prior to the implementation of ASEAN Integration in 2015.The evaluation was based on CMO No.3,issued in 2007.Then,the subjects were mapped from the prescribed subjects in the BS Curriculum to the CPA Licensure Examination subjects to spot the congruentcy;lastly,this paper identified the areas of competency of the Accounting Graduates using the rating obtained in the licensure examination as a standard,this is based on RA 9298,the Philippine Accountancy Law,Section 16.The relevance of the study in the present time,is to come up with a better strategic action plan based on the findings and provide practical recommendations that can enhance the capabilities of the next batches of accounting graduates of the University.Descriptive Content Analysis was used in generating and examining qualitative and quantitative data through secondary resources.Based on the CMO No.3,series of 2017,results revealed that General Education develops competencies in intellectual skills,personal,interpersonal,and communication skills.Business Education develops competencies on economic,quantitative methods,business statistics,organization behavior,marketing,and operations management,professional values,and ethics.Information Technology Education System develops competencies on internal control in computer-based systems,development standards,and practices for business systems,management of the adoption,implementation and use of IT,evaluation of computer business systems,and managing the security of information.Accounting and Finance develops competencies on business law and taxation,financial management,financial management,financial accounting theory and practice,cost determination,analysis and control,management accounting and consultancy services,advanced accounting,auditing,and assurance services.After mapping the BSA Curriculum and CPA Licensure Examination subjects,it was found that BSA Curriculum General and Business Education are integrated in all subjects given in the CPA Licensure Examination.The Information Technology Education is integrated in the CPA Licensure Examination subjects such as integrated in Theory of Accounts,Management Services,and Auditing Theory.The Accounting and Finance Education is integrated in Business Law and Taxation,Theory of Accounts,Practical Accounting Problems I,Practical Accounting Problems II,Management Services,Auditing Theory,and Auditing Problems.It was ascertained also that majority of CSU Accounting Graduates from 2013-2015 have strong competencies in financial accounting,management accounting,financial management related services,capital budgeting and techniques,project feasibility studies,and application of the concepts,standards,techniques,and methodology applicable to management/consultancy services or problems likely to be encountered in the real practice.However,accounting graduates have weak competencies in assurance and related services,applying audit standards,techniques,procedures of independent audit of medium-sized service,trading,or manufacturing concern,financial accounting techniques and methodologies to problems,and legal implications of business transactions,business associations,and negotiable instruments related to accounting and auditing and practical application of basic principles of taxation.Majority of the accounting graduates have failed in the subjects such as Auditing Theory,Auditing Problems I,and Business Law and Taxation.Given these findings,it is recommended:(1)reviewing the current competencies of the CSU accounting students against the target through a competency plan and track learning activities in Auditing and Assurance Services,Assurance Principles,Professional Ethics,and Good Governance,Advanced Financial Accounting,Part I,Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting,Part II,Accounting for Governmental,Not-for-Profit entities,and Specialized Industries,Law on Business Organization,Law on Negotiable Instruments,Sales Agency,Labour and Other Commercial Laws,and Business Transfer Taxes where majority of the students failed in the CPA Licensure Examination;(2)enhancing or improving teaching methodologies on the subjects in BSA curriculum such as Management Accounting and Consultancy Services,Auditing and Assurance Services,Business Law and Taxation,and Financial Accounting Practice where majority of Accounting graduates showed weak competencies;(3)conducting a thorough investigation of the factors that caused the failure of the students in the said subjects,then,strengthening the admission and retention policy;(4)instructor/professor should enhance their syllabi to include recent developments,trends,and innovations in teaching materials,and methodologies to avoid obsolescence.

Using Social Interaction to Invert the Professional Competencies of Future Architects

The article analyzes the results of a sociological study of the role of public and interdisciplinary communications for formation and inversion of architect’s competences.The study was carried out in 2021-2022 among students of architecture departments in Russia.About 3,000 students of the Moscow Architectural Institute(State Academy)and the Orel State University took part in the study.As a result of processing the data of the written questionnaire with correlation relationships,the potential of“external”educational communications was identified for acquisition of new professional knowledge and competencies in architecture;popularization of socially important ideas in architecture and spatial development;raising a sense of pride and respect for urban historical and cultural heritage;enhancing the prestige of the architectural profession and the status of architectural education;understanding social expectations of architectural activities and factors limiting implementation of projects;identifying factors influencing formation of strategies for the development of architectural education.Four stages of formation and inversion of professional competences in the educational process were singled out:1st-2nd years of training-an“orientation period”;3rd-4th years-the level of Bachelor of Science in Architecture,at which the groundwork of the professional thinking basics is laid-a stage of mastering the basic system-design skills;5th year(diploma thesis)-a stage of entry into creative practice;training at the level of Master of Science in Architecture-scientific-design practice in architecture.Issues concerning underrating the importance of future architects’involvement in joint activities with community and engineering professions representatives to realize the goals of sustainable development were identified;late awareness of the value of participation in volunteer programs.

A Study of EFL Reading Teaching in Senior High Schools Based on Key Competencies of Subject

With the release of English Curriculum Standards for Senior High School,the cultivation of students’key competencies of English subject has become the major concern of many English teachers in senior high schools.As an important part of English teaching,reading teaching is supposed to take the responsibility of helping students form key competencies.In this study,the current situation of English reading teaching in senior high schools is investigated to find out whether English teachers fully and efficiently carry out the cultivation of key competencies of English subject in practical teaching.Data from questionnaires and interviews of teachers indicate practical problems exist in cultivating students’key competencies in English subject in senior high school,so teachers need to have a further understanding of them and take more innovative activities to help students develop their language competence,cultural disposition,thinking quality and learning ability.

Competencies of Obstetric Caregivers Regarding Hepatitis B in the West Region of Cameroon

There are many zones of high prevalence of hepatitis B like Cameroon(10%).Mother to child transmission of hepatitis B is the most common mode of transmission in high prevalence area.Its prevention is assured by the health care staff in charge of pregnant women.We therefore used to assess the level of competence(skills levels)of obstetricians regarding hepatitis B in West region of Cameroon.This was a cross-sectional analytical KAP study.The recruitment took place in 11 hospitals in 5 major departments of West region of Cameroon.The sampling was consecutive and comprehensive.The population was constituted of 148 participants with a sex ratio of 0.51.The mean age was 34 years.The population consisted of 50 physicians(33.78%),61 nurses(41.22%),and 37 auxiliary staff(25%).Only 4%had a good skills level,55%had an average skills level,and 41%had an insufficient level.The Skills level was influenced by gender,occupation,seniority in the occupation.The skills level of health care workers was average and insufficient for most.This does not allow them to effectively fight against the mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Cameroon.

Technological Intensity of Sectors,Size of the Firms and Competencies of Network Evidence from French Industrial Firms

The aim of this article is to stress the importance of competencies to build network in the innovation process. Innovation is not only R＆D but is often supporting by networks and relations that differ according to the size of the firm and the sector. We propose an empirical analysis, based on logit model, for French industrial firms. It appears that size and technological intensity of the sector affect positively the detention of networking competencies.

Essential competencies for three grades of midwives in China

Objective:To identify the essential competencies for different grades of midwives in China.Methods:A nationwide modified Delphi process was implemented to amend and screen the indicators.Thirty expert panellists including practitioners (nurse-midwives),clinical managers,academic educators and obstetricians completed a two-round Delphi study through an electronic survey that was supplemented by an expert panel meeting for discussion of comments and suggestions.Results:All panellists completed two rounds of Delphi study and at least 75% of them achieved a consensus on 224 items (W1 =0.150,W2 =0.173).Seven domains were established,namely,'Professional quality','Antenatal care','Intrapartum care','Postnatal care','Neonatal care','Gynaecological care','Public health care & Integrative competency'.Generalised maternal and neonatal knowledge and perinatal care skills were set for'junior'midwives,pathological care for'senior'ones and supervisory abilities and promotion of discipline for'expert'ones.Conclusions:This research developed three grades of essential competencies for midwives in China.The next step will be assessment in clinical settings for further response.The set was in line with the concepts of International Confederation of Midwives under the domestic context.This set could be adopted as a reference in developing normalised midwifery practice,education and certification.

Brazilian questionnaire of competencies of oncology nurses:Construction and test of content validation

Objective: This study aimed to describe construction and content validation of the Brazilian Questionnaire of Competencies of Oncology Nurses.Methods: The methodological research was constructed based on the literature and observation in Brazilian hospitals searching to identify local evidence in the nursing practice.After,the construction of the 30 items distributed in eight sub-dimensions of competencies,the instrument was tested the content validation by 7 experts and 61 oncology nurses.Item responses were analyzed through content validity index and Cronbach's α were used in this test pilot.Results: The content validity index of the scale was 0.90,and the content validity index of each item was 0.80-1.00.The mean of items varied between 4.98 (standard deviation =0.13) and 4.70 (standard deviation =0.53).The Cronbach's α of the instrument was 0.77.The Cronbach's α if each item was excluded ranged from 0.78 to 0.74,indicating consistency between items.Conclusion: The instrument is concise and clear,resulting in a valid content on test pilot in conducting a self-assessment the oncology nurses.It can be used to facilitate decision-making by identifying subdimensions that require attention in nursing education to improve patient care.