An assessment tool for developing healthcare managerial skills and roles.

This article is based on a study to identify, and by doing so help develop, the skills and roles of senior-level healthcare managers related to the needs of the current healthcare environment. To classify these roles and skills, a qualitative study was conducted to examine the literature on forces in the healthcare environment and their impact on managers. Ten senior managers were interviewed, revealing six roles as the most crucial to their positions along with the skills necessary to perform those roles. A pilot study was conducted with these senior managers to produce a final assessment tool. This assessment tool helps managers to identify strengths and weaknesses, develop in deficient areas, and promote competence in all areas as demanded by the market and organization. This tool can be used by organizations in the recruitment process and in the training process.