PD Health Glossary

Blog

A blog is an individual's online journal or commentary which is regularly updated. It s available to be viewed by the public or the websites users, usually interactive as viewers can "post" a response or thought about the blog.

Blog Post

A single unit of content on a blog, usually consisting of at least a title and text. A blog is made up of a collection of posts.

Blog Tag

A generic term for a language element descriptor, often used in blogs to identify the type or types of content that makes up a particular post.

Blog Trackback

A protocol that allows a blogger to link to post, often on other blogs, that relate to a selected subject.

Blog Thread

A series of posts on a specific topic.

Competence

Competence is a complex interaction and integration of knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours and judgement. It relates most closely to the situation in which the practitioner works. It also embodies the ability to generalise or transfer and apply skills and knowledge from one situation to another. Ongoing competency relates to maintaining competence throughout the practice life of the professional. [1]

E-learning Module

E-learning is the delivery of training or educational materials via electronic format, often online. Modules are the individual packages of information that deliver this information.

Forum

A discussion forum is an online facility whereby people can post messages that form a "thread" of discussion.

Knowledge

Knowledge involves having absorbed and understood a body of information. It covers a continuum from basic information gained in an initial qualification, to specific knowledge for specialised areas of practice; aspects of these are likely to change over time. Knowledge is necessary, but not sufficient foundation for competence in itself. [1]

Professional Development

Knowledge involves having absorbed and understood a body of information. It covers a continuum from basic information gained in an initial qualification, to specific knowledge for specialised areas of practice; aspects of these are likely to change over time. Knowledge is necessary, but not sufficient foundation for competence in itself. [1]

Professional Development Plan

A professional development plan is a document that outlines what professional development the individual is intending to undertake and why. It often includes aims and goals for their professional development and lists the specific activities that they will undertake to achieve the established aims and goals.

Professional Development Record

A professional development record is a log of all professional development activities that the individual has undertaken including evidence of these activities in the form of certificates, notes, journal entries etc. The record would commonly list the date the activity took place, a description of the activity, the amount of time the activity took and how the activity relates to the individuals professional development plan.

Reflective Practice

Reflective practice is the process of considering an event, action or idea and how it relates to previous available information and experiences. This process is a part of our continuous learning.

Skill

Skill is the ability to effectively apply knowledge in actual practice. As with knowledge, skills cover a continuum from basic to advanced proficiency.[1]

References:

• Occupational Therapy Board of South Australia, Ongoing Professional Development Guidelines for Occupational Therapists Revised September 2010).