The term that best describes the basic knowledge and skills of a health care employee is "competencies." Competencies encompass the necessary abilities and knowledge that an individual must possess in order to perform specific tasks and responsibilities effectively within their role. This term is frequently used in healthcare settings to establish the expected standards for professional practice and ensure that employees are proficient in the key areas required for their job.
Competencies include not only the technical skills required for a position but also the interpersonal skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities necessary in healthcare. Ensuring that employees are competent helps maintain high standards of care and promotes patient safety.
In this context, qualifications refer to the overall credentials or education of an employee; credentials are specific licenses or certifications that attest to an individual's qualifications; and capabilities might address a broader range of skills but do not specifically refer to the established standards of knowledge and skill inherent in competencies. Thus, “competencies” accurately captures the essential attributes that define a health care employee's basic knowledge and skills.