Kristen Maisano

Many healthcare education programs (nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dietetics, etc.) design and implement curricula in accordance with the accreditation standards of their discipline. Accreditation standards encompass the technical skills necessary to prepare students for success in their chosen profession. Often, accreditation standards fail to include the “soft skills” necessary for success in healthcare professions. Healthcare educators have researched and published literature on the soft skills necessary for success in healthcare; however, there is a lack of data on what currently practicing healthcare professionals consider most important in their profession and setting. 

A survey was developed and shared with healthcare professionals currently practicing in the United States. Survey participants were asked to rank various communication, interpersonal, and emotional intelligence skills based on importance in their discipline and current area of practice. This presentation will share survey results and curricular recommendations for healthcare education programs.

Advisor: Kabo Yang