Multi-competent or multi-skilled worker: Common trend in health care due to rising cost of health care, smaller facilities. Workers are hired to perform a variety of skills.

• A. To perform a variety of skills
• B. To increase specialization
• C. To reduce costs
• D. To lengthen training

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that health care settings hire workers who can handle a range of tasks to provide flexibility and efficiency, especially in smaller facilities facing rising costs. When a single employee can perform multiple skills, the facility can cover more duties with fewer staff, which helps manage limited resources and keep services running smoothly. This versatility is the core reason for the trend.

This approach isn’t about pushing for more specialization, which would narrow what a worker does. It’s also not primarily about lengthening training, which would delay bringing staff on board. Cost considerations are part of the context, but the emphasis is on the ability to perform a variety of skills to meet diverse patient needs with a leaner workforce.