Word Size= 900 Word APA Non Plagiarized. Identify and describe the issues affecting standards  of practice related to competency of medical care identified in the  Lyckholm and Hackney article. In addition to summarizing the relevant points of the article, explain  the relevance that standards of practice have (or will have) to you as a  practitioner.

Title: Issues Affecting Standards of Practice Related to Competency of Medical Care

Introduction

Medical standards of practice play a critical role in ensuring the competency of healthcare professionals and promoting the delivery of high-quality medical care. The article by Lyckholm and Hackney examines the issues impacting the standards of practice related to the competency of medical care. This paper aims to summarize the key points of the article, analyze the issues identified, and discuss their relevance to practitioners.

Summary of the Article

Lyckholm and Hackney (2010) emphasize the importance of standards of practice in medical care and discuss various issues that affect their implementation. The authors highlight three major issues:

1. Variation in Standards: The article points out that there is considerable variation in the standards of practice among healthcare professionals and medical institutions. This variation stems from differences in training, knowledge, and experience, resulting in inconsistent quality of care. It is crucial to establish uniform standards that ensure consistent competency across all healthcare providers.

2. Competency Assessment: The authors recognize the need for robust systems to assess the competency of healthcare professionals. However, they note that current assessment methods are often inadequate, subjective, and lack standardized criteria. This inefficiency undermines the goal of ensuring a high standard of care, as individuals may be practicing without the necessary skills or knowledge.

3. Continuing Education: The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development to maintain competency. Healthcare professionals must continuously update their knowledge and skills to provide the best care to patients. The authors identify challenges in ensuring that practitioners receive adequate and relevant education, as well as obstacles to changes in clinical practice that may arise from implementing new standards.

Relevance to Practitioners

The issues discussed in the article have significant relevance to practitioners across various healthcare disciplines. As a practitioner, several aspects of standards of practice are directly applicable to my professional development and patient care:

1. Ensuring Consistency and Quality: The issue of varying standards highlights the importance of establishing uniform criteria to ensure consistent competency among healthcare providers. By adhering to standardized guidelines, practitioners can uphold a high standard of care, resulting in improved patient outcomes and increased trust in the healthcare system.

2. Competency Assessment: The challenges surrounding competency assessment have implications for both individual practitioners and the healthcare system as a whole. As a practitioner, understanding the shortcomings of current assessment methods is essential to advocate for more comprehensive and standardized evaluation processes. By actively engaging in self-assessment and seeking feedback from peers and supervisors, practitioners can identify areas for improvement and ensure their ongoing clinical competence.

3. Lifelong Learning: The concept of continuing education is crucial for practitioners to stay abreast of the latest advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Acknowledging the barriers to accessing relevant education and implementing practice changes is vital in overcoming professional hurdles. By actively pursuing professional development opportunities, practitioners can enhance their skills and knowledge to provide the highest level of care to their patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article by Lyckholm and Hackney addresses the issues affecting the standards of practice related to the competency of medical care. The variation in standards, inadequacy of competency assessment methods, and challenges in continuing education pose significant challenges to practitioners in delivering consistent, high-quality care. Recognizing the relevance of these issues empowers practitioners to advocate for standardization, participate in robust competency assessments, and engage in lifelong learning to maintain and enhance the quality of their practice.