Competencies required for healthcare improvement positions

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the competencies that US healthcare organizations require for quality and performance improvement positions. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A US healthcare improvement job posting content analysis was conducted using the HQ Essentials competency framework. FINDINGS: The HQ essentials competencies most desired for improvement positions include project management, training, data analysis and applied performance improvement methods. Competency requirements varied somewhat by job focus area: performance, quality, or process improvement, and Lean and Six Sigma. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare leaders may use the author's results to understand what competencies may be required for various improvement roles and to identify any gaps in required skills and knowledge areas that may need to be addressed. Educators and policy-makers should consider how these competencies align with employers' needs and what resources or professional development may be needed to address gaps. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This is the first healthcare improvement competencies analysis based on job postings.