Competency assessment tools for infection preventionists: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Infection prevention competencies are critical for successful job performance, career progression and robust performance of infection prevention and control programs.

Aim/objective

Identify competency assessment tools available to infection preventionists and describe their characteristics, validation processes and reliability.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted on five databases and grey literature from 1999 to 2022. A descriptive synthesis approach was undertaken to analyse the data.

Finding/results

Seven tools that meet the inclusion criteria were identified. Of those, one tool was reviewed twice. All tools were developed in the United Kingdom, Canada, China and the United States, and were published between 2009 and 2022. All tools use a rating scale; and the most used method to assess competencies was self-assessment. Levels of competency were cited by five tools. Two tools provided information on validation methods and reliability tests for internal consistency.

Discussion

Few competency assessment tools are available in the literature, and there is a lack of information on their development process. A global effort to develop an assessment tool that allows comparison across countries and cultures can be a step forward to propel infection preventionists’ careers and enhance the efficacy of Infection Prevention and Control Programs.