There is a paucity of research on therapist competence development following extensive training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In addition, metacognitive ability (the knowledge and regulation of one’s cognitive processes) has been associated with learning in various domains but its role in learning CBT is unknown.

To investigate to what extent psychology and psychotherapy students acquired competence in CBT following extensive training, and the role of metacognition.

CBT competence and metacognitive activity were assessed in 73 psychology and psychotherapy students before and after 1.5 years of CBT training, using role-plays with a standardised patient.

Using linear mixed modelling, we found large improvements of CBT competence from pre- to post-assessment. At post-assessment, 72% performed above the competence threshold (36 points on the Cognitive Therapy Scale-Revised). Higher competence was correlated with lower accuracy in self-assessment, a measure of metacognitive ability. The more competent therapists tended to under-estimate their performance, while less competent therapists made more accurate self-assessments. Metacognitive activity did not predict CBT competence development. Participant characteristics (e.g. age, clinical experience) did not moderate competence development.

Competence improved over time and most students performed over the threshold post-assessment. The more competent therapists tended to under-rate their competence. In contrast to what has been found in other learning domains, metacognitive ability was not associated with competence development in our study. Hence, metacognition and competence may be unrelated in CBT or perhaps other methods are required to measure metacognition.

This study examined the perceived competence of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) using several conceptual frameworks. Accurate self-assessment of one’s professional competence is a critical component in the career navigation process and contributes to (a) identifying and securing professional development (training), (b) leveraging professional strengths, and (c) integrating self-knowledge into a comprehensive career plan.

A survey design gathered responses from a sample of 119 CRCs in a southeastern region of the USA Two conceptual frameworks were used to represent aspects of CRC professional competence: the eight Joint Task Force (JTF) competence domains, and perceptions of strengths and training needs from a list of 12 task categories.

The JTF domain with the lowest competence level was Development and Regulations, while the highest was Communication. Perceived competence increased incrementally with years of experience. Top strengths involved direct patient interaction and data management. Tasks in need of training included project management and reporting issues. Variations in responses were based on years of experience as a CRC.

Our results demonstrate an association between the self-reported strengths and training needs of CRCs and experience. This information can contribute to the self-directed career navigation of CRCs.

Pharmacists’ participation in health care within multi-disciplinary teams in Humanitarian Assistance (HA) shall be encouraged. Limited literature exists on their role in the humanitarian context. The objective of this paper is to evidence the skill-specific, comprehensive core competencies that pharmacists must demonstrate working in humanitarian interventions.

The literature search laid the groundwork for the development of interview guides and further analysis of the data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with expatriate pharmacists and medical coordinators, all of whom have worked in the field of HA. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a content analysis methodology.

Three pharmacists and three medical coordinators were interviewed, who had worked in a combined 32 humanitarian missions. The main functions of pharmacists were focused on stock management and supply of medicinal products. However, pharmacists in HA did not perform many functions related to the provision of effective medication therapy management (MTM). A core competency framework for pharmacists working in the humanitarian field was created, which reflects the personal and technical competencies that are essential to work in HA.

Self-management in a pressured and changing environment, the ability to adapt to changing situations, and planning, prioritizing, and performing tasks well under pressure are the skills required for pharmacists and for any other humanitarian health worker. The results highlight great efforts being dedicated to pharmaceutical product supply and management by pharmacists working in HA.

VardanyanH, MoseguiGBG, MirandaES. Skills and Core Competencies of Pharmacists in Humanitarian Assistance. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):266–272.