Understanding of the Application of Advanced Practice Health Educator Sub-competencies by Certified Health Education Specialists

Background: Between 15 October 2010 and 15 April 2011the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing offered a one-time opportunity to certified health education specialist to provide documentation that they are practicing at an advanced level. This Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) provided unique insight into how the certified health education specialist understands and can apply (via documentation) competencies required in the field. Methods: Eligible CHES needed to provide a) detailed explanation of advanced practice aligned with four separate advanced Sub-competencies; 2) written testimony from two recommenders that applicant is practicing at an advanced level; 3) documentation that supports activities; and 4) resume clearly showing advanced practice for five years. Results: Presentation will show 1) which advanced Sub-competencies are not well understood by health educators, i.e. cause for concern by review panels; 2) nature of concern on the description of the advanced activity; 3) level and nature of concern with supporting documentation. Overall the health education specialists' EDO applications were in good order, but there were enough missives to warrant continuing education in select areas. Implications: Given these results from the EDO process, it is evident that more needs to be done to improve the understanding of Sub-competencies for health education specialists. This EDO review showed that some health education specialists, even those at the advanced level, failed to articulate how a Sub-competency is used in practice. Such shortcomings are less likely to be identified via the standard testing process and demonstrate areas of need for continuing education in the field.