Which term refers to the skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific task in healthcare?

The term that refers to the skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific task in healthcare is competency. Competency is a comprehensive concept that encompasses the ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently, combining both knowledge and skills relevant to a particular role or function in the healthcare environment.

In healthcare, competency can be demonstrated through practical application, ensuring that healthcare professionals not only understand the theories and principles behind their tasks but can also execute them successfully in real-world situations. This includes adherence to standards, protocols, and best practices necessary for quality patient care.

While capability might imply the potential to develop skills, and proficiency generally focuses on the level of skill or expertise achieved, competency specifically addresses the threshold of skill and knowledge required to perform a task adequately within the healthcare sector. Skillset is a broader term that can refer to the collection of various skills but does not alone encapsulate the necessary knowledge aspect that competency implies.