Introduction : Continuous professional development in non-medical healthcare professions is one of the key prerequisites for providing high-quality and safe care. In many countries, including the Czech Republic, qualification education is clearly defined; however, lifelong learning is not specified to the same extent. Although the obligation to engage in lifelong learning and its oversight are established, the scope, frequency, content, and methods for evaluating educational activities remain insufficiently defined. Based on clearly defined key competencies of non-medical healthcare professionals that reflect real clinical practice, the authors propose a methodology for their identification and subsequent use in optimally structuring continuous professional development.

Objectives: The objective is to present partial results of a project focused on developing a methodology and conceptual framework for lifelong learning in non-medical healthcare professions in relation to identified key competencies.

Methods: Based on a review of available sources, a methodology for identifying key competencies was developed and implemented for the midwifery profession. A focus group and a Delphi study were used to identify these competencies. Focus group participants included midwives from various clinical practice settings, as well as managers and educators. The focus group results were analyzed and subsequently discussed in a Delphi study involving representatives of healthcare providers, educators, professional organizations, and physicians.

Results: The first phase of the study presents the proposed methodology for identifying key competencies in non-medical healthcare professionals and the results of its pilot testing in midwifery.

Conclusion: Ensuring a structured system of lifelong learning, developed on the basis of identified key competencies and in close cooperation with clinical practice, is essential for the high-quality performance of non-medical healthcare professions. The methodology used in this study appears to be a suitable approach for identifying key competencies in other countries and healthcare systems.

TBA