conditions for professional practice of health psychology
The institutional, legal and psychosocial conditions for professional practice of health psychology with the aim to apply them in the exercise of the psychological profession in health care.
Health psychologists deal with the various aspects of health related behaviour of individuals and groups, by helping individuals or groups prevent illness and promote healthy behaviours by also providing counseling services. They perform tasks for the development of health promotion activities and projects on the basis of psychological science, research findings, theories, methods and techniques. They also engage in research about health related issues to influence public policy on health care issues.
Competences and skills
94 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 24 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencespsychological measures in working with other health care professionals
The various psychological measures considering medical aspects in terms of the collaboration with other health care professionals.
Sector-specific
9 competencesclinical reports
The methods, assessment practices, credentials and opinions gathering procedures necessary for writing clinical reports.
emergency psychology
The methods used for coping with trauma or disasters.
evaluation of psychological performance
The characteristics of the methods used to assess psychological parameters.
health psychology
The development, implementations and evaluation of health psychological concepts.
psychological healthcare services
The characteristics of the psychological healthcare services in the inpatient and outpatient sector.
psychological interventions
The characteristics of the methods and procedures meant to instigate change in human behaviour.
psychopathology
The criteria of psychiatric diagnoses, the use of the disease classification system, and the theories of psychopathology. The indicators of functional and organic disorders and the types of psychopharmacological medications.
psychopharmacology
The awareness of various effects that medicines have on the patient or client's behaviour, mood and thinking.
therapy in health care
The principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
Cross-sector
13 competencesconsultation
The theories, methods and concepts related to consultation and communication with clients.
counselling methods
Counselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.
crisis intervention
Coping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.
first aid
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
health care occupation-specific ethics
The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.
neurology
Neurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
psychiatry
Psychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
psychological concepts
The psychological concepts of health protection and health promotion.
psychological counselling methods
The various psychological counselling, training and coaching methods for persons of all ages, groups and organizations considering medical aspects.
psychological diagnostics
The psychological diagnostics strategies, methods and techniques concerning health-related experiences and behaviours as well as mental disorders
psychological treatment measures
The psychological treatment measures for persons of all ages and groups, with the aim of improving treatment skills and the provisions of trans-cultural and gender aspects.
psychology
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
research design
The set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.
Essential skills and competences 58 competences
Occupation specific
6 competencesanalyse health damaging behaviours
Examine behaviours that may be damaging to an individual's health, such as smoking, drug abuse, or poor diet. Use psychological theories and interventions for primary prevention and health related behavioural change.
analyse processes influencing health care delivery
Investigate the communication between healthcare practitioners and patients, observing psychological interventions to improve communication, adherence, preparation for stressful medical procedures, and other topics of interest.
apply health psychological measures
Apply health psychological measures on persons of all ages and groups regarding health behavior, particularly with regard to health related risk behaviors such as diet, exercise, smoking, including advice in relation to the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention of health risks, taking into account leisure and work.
encourage healthy behaviours
Encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours such as exercise, a healthy diet, oral hygiene, health checks and preventative medical screenings.
provide health counselling
Provide health counselling, training and coaching to people of all ages, groups and organisations.
provide psychological health assessment strategies
Provide strategies, methods and techniques of psychological health assessment in specific areas of activity such as of pain, illness and stress management.
Sector-specific
31 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
advise on mental health
Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and mental health.
analyse large-scale data in healthcare
Carry out large-scale data gathering such as questionnaire surveys, and analyse the obtained data.
analyse psychological aspects of illness
Analyse the psychological impact of illness on individuals, close ones, and caregivers and use psychological interventions to promote self-management, helping patients cope with pain or illness, improve their quality of life and mitigate the effects of disability and handicap.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
assess healthcare users' risk for harm
Evaluate if healthcare users might potentially be a threat themselves or others, intervening to minimise the risk and implement prevention methods.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
conduct psychological assessement
Assess patient`s behaviour and needs via observation and tailored interviews, administering and interpreting psychometric and idiosyncratic assessments.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
employ cognitive behaviour treatment techniques
Employ cognitive behavioural treatment techniques for those whose treatment involves cognitive re-training, addressing dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours and cognitive processes and contents through a variety of systematic procedures.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
evaluate psychological health measures
Evaluate the provided psychological health measures in order to assess their impact and their outcomes.
formulate a case conceptualisation model for therapy
Compose an individualised treatment plan in collaboration with the individual, striving to match his or her needs, situation, and treatment goals to maximise the probability of therapeutic gain and considering any possible personal, social, and systemic barriers that might undermine treatment.
help healthcare users develop social perceptiveness
Provide strategies and support to healthcare users with social difficulties. Help them understanding others` verbal and non-verbal behaviour and actions. Support them in developing better self-confidence in social situations.
manage health promotion activities
Plan, implement and evaluate health promotion activities and projects in different settings such as kindergarten and school, workplace and business, social living environment and primary health care, particularly in the context of projects.
perform therapy sessions
Work in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.
prescribe psychotherapeutic treatment
Prescribe, direct, and administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat disorders of a mental, emotional, or behavioural nature.
promote psycho-social education
Explain mental health issues in simple and understandable ways, helping de-pathologise and de-stigmatise common mental health stereotypes and condemning prejudicial or discriminatory behaviours, systems, institutions, practices, and attitudes that are clearly separatist, abusive or harmful to people's mental health or their social inclusion.
provide health psychological advice
Provide health psychological expert opinions, reports and advice in regard to health related risk behaviour and its causes.
provide health psychological analysis
Advise organizations and institutions in regard to health conditions, measures of health promotion, health care and rehabilitation by providing them with health psychological analysis.
provide health psychological concepts
Develop, implement and evaluate health psychological concepts.
provide health psychological diagnosis
Analyse persons and groups of persons using health psychological methods in relation to the various aspects of health behaviour and its causes.
provide health psychological treatment advice
Provide treatment advice to persons and groups of persons of all ages in relation to the various aspects of mental health related risk behaviours such as diet, exercise, substance abuse, stress management.
respond to healthcare users' extreme emotions
React accordingly when a healthcare user becomes hyper-manic, panicky, extremely distressed, agressive, violent, or suicidal, following appropriate training if working in contexts where patients go through extreme emotions regularly.
support patients to understand their conditions
Facilitate the process of self-discovery for the healthcare user, helping them to learn about their condition and become more aware of and in control of moods, feelings, thoughts, behaviour, and their origins. Help the healthcare user learn to manage problems and difficulties with greater resilience.
use clinical assessment techniques
Use clinical reasoning techniques and clinical judgement when applying a range of appropriate assessment techniques, such as mental status assessment, diagnosis, dynamic formulation, and potential treatment planning.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
use techniques to increase patients' motivation
Encourage the patient`s motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
work with patterns of psychological behaviour
Work with the patterns of a patient or client's psychological behaviour, which may be outside of their conscious awareness, such as non-verbal and pre-verbal patterns, clinical processes of defence mechanisms, resistances, transference and counter-transference.
Cross-sector
21 competencesadhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
advise policy makers in healthcare
Present research to policy makers, health care providers, and educators to encourage improvements in public health.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
counsel clients
Assist and guide clients to overcome their personal, social, or psychological issues.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
interpret psychological tests
Interpret psychological tests in order to obtain information on patients' intelligence, achievements, interests, and personality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
test for behavioural patterns
Discern patterns in the behaviour of individuals by using various tests in order to understand the causes of their behaviour.
test for emotional patterns
Discern patterns in the emotions of individuals by using various tests in order to understand the causes of these emotions.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesexperimental psychology
The branch of psychology that is involved in testing theories in relation to all the various aspects of human mind through empirical research methods.
occupational health
The subfield of study of public health that focus on improving the wellbeing of individuals in the workplace for all the occupational profiles. It is concerned with health and safety in the workplace and prevention of hazards.
psychosomatics
Interdisciplinary medical specialty addressing the connection between the social, psychological, and behavioral attitudes and their impact on human processes.
sexual disorders
The range of sexual disorders such as sexual aversion disorder, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and vaginismus and the effects of medication on sexual function.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencesapply a holistic approach in care
Use bio-psycho-social models for care and take into account cultural and existential dimensions of the healthcare user, transforming a holistic understanding into practical measures.
apply caseload management
Manage a number of patients within a given amount of time, striving to provide optimum health services.
diagnose mental disorders
Formulate a diagnosis for people with a variety of issues and mental disorders, ranging from short-term personal and emotional problems to severe, chronic mental conditions, recognising and critically evaluating any possible mental health issues.
diagnose psychiatric symptoms
Recognise and diagnose the common medical, neurologic and primary psychiatric symptoms such as delirium, dementia, violent episodes, self-injurious behavior, etc.
provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health
Identify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.
work on the effects of abuse
Work with individuals on the effects of abuse and trauma; such as sexual, physical, psychological, cultural and neglect.
Cross-sector
2 competencesuse foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.