Evolving competence in the practitioner role.

This article discusses competence from the viewpoint of the practitioner role. Concepts from two documents published by the American Occupational Therapy Association--Occupational Therapy Roles and Developing, Maintaining, and Updating Competency in Occupational Therapy: A Guide to Self-Appraisal--are integrated within the discussion. Discussed in this article are factors that affect competence, the interrelationship of competence and practice, and personal responsibility for competence; ways in which competence may be challenged during the practitioner's career; common misconceptions about competence; and attitudes and actions in which the competent practitioner engages. Competence is described as a complex and evolving set of abilities that develops throughout the practitioner's career.