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Original Article | Health and Medical Sciences | Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026 | Pages: 1382 - 1393 | India
Competency Mapping and Gap Analysis of Housekeeping and Patient Care Assistant Staff in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Implications for Infection Control and Patient Safety
Abstract: Context: Patient safety, environmental hygiene, and infection control are all greatly aided by housekeeping and Patient Care Assistant (PCA) personnel. However, in many hospital settings, structured competency evaluations of outsourced support staff are still scarce. Goals: To identify competency gaps, map the core and role-specific competencies of housekeeping and PCA staff in a tertiary care hospital, and provide organized training solutions. Methodology: In a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India that is affiliated with the NABH, a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. Simple random sampling was used to choose forty employees (20 cleaning and 20 PCAs). A standardized four-point Likert scale method was used to evaluate competencies through supervisor input, direct observation, and self-evaluation. The independent samples t-test and chi-square test were among the descriptive and inferential statistical studies that were carried out. Findings: Compared to PCA employees (M = 10.61, SD = 1.33), housekeeping employees had a higher mean competency score (M = 11.88, SD = 2.47). The difference (t = 1.98, p = 0.0549) was on the verge of statistical significance. The distribution of competency categories and staff roles were found to be significantly correlated (X2 = 8.52, p = 0.036). Important deficiencies in fall-risk management, biological waste segregation, infection control procedures, and patient confidentiality were found. Conclusion: To improve patient safety outcomes and infection control compliance, organized competence mapping of outsourced support personnel is crucial. To enhance staff performance and healthcare quality, regular training, mentoring, and periodic re-evaluation are advised.
Keywords: Competency Mapping, Housekeeping Staff, Patient Care Assistants, Infection Control, Patient Safety, Hospital Administration
How to Cite?: Abhishek Prabhakar Dahapute, "Competency Mapping and Gap Analysis of Housekeeping and Patient Care Assistant Staff in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Implications for Infection Control and Patient Safety", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1382-1393, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26222155721, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26222155721