Competency in delivering health education: A concept analysis

The competency of healthcare professionals in providing health education is considered essential for improving health and other outcomes, but the exact meaning of competency remains unclear. This absence of conceptual clarity has led to poor understanding and communication among researchers and health practitioners. This study seeks to define the concept of competency by defining its attributes. A concept analysis of literature in health disciplines was performed by Rodgers method. Three attributes of competency emerged. Competency was defined as the integration of professionalism, teaching, and empowering in the co-creation of knowledge and skills to achieve behavioral changes. In addition, delivery of health education is preceded by motivation and support and is followed by well-being and professional growth. In addition to the core competencies, a golfing metaphor can guide healthcare professionals in delivering health education. After each swing at the ball, the golfer must make a reassessment and choose the best tool for the job. Competency exemplifies the interplay among professionalism, teaching, and empowering. This interplay provides a useful framework that researchers, educators and health care providers can apply to facilitate health education.