Competence

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Competence (medicine)

Competence (pronounced: /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to denote the ability of a cell, tissue, or organism to perform its normal functions. In a medical context, it often refers to the capacity of a patient to understand, make decisions about, and manage their own healthcare.

Etymology

The term "competence" comes from the Latin competentia, meaning "meeting together, agreement, symmetry", from competens, the present participle of competere.

Related Terms

Medical Context

In the field of medicine, competence refers to the ability of a patient to understand the information provided by their healthcare provider, to make decisions based on this information, and to manage their own healthcare. This includes understanding the nature and consequences of health conditions, treatment options, and the potential risks and benefits of each option.

Legal Context

In a legal context, competence refers to the legal recognition of a person's ability to make decisions about their own healthcare. This is often assessed in relation to specific decisions, such as consent to treatment, and can be affected by factors such as age, mental health, and cognitive impairment.

Assessment of Competence

The assessment of competence in a medical context is a complex process that involves evaluating a patient's understanding, decision-making capacity, and ability to manage their own healthcare. This can involve a range of assessments, including cognitive tests, interviews, and observations of the patient's behavior.

See Also

External links

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