Which of the following is a core competency identified by the IOM?

The core competency identified by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), now known as the National Academy of Medicine, is patient-centered care. This competency emphasizes the importance of providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. In patient-centered care, healthcare professionals work collaboratively to ensure that patients are active participants in their care decisions. This approach not only improves the quality of care but also enhances patient satisfaction and outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the IOM's core competencies. Independent practice, while relevant to certain professions, does not capture the collaborative spirit central to modern healthcare systems. Autonomous decision-making highlights individual professional discretion, which can sometimes conflict with the collaborative and integrated approaches fostered by interprofessional education. Lastly, a professions hierarchy suggests a structured and often rigid relationship between different healthcare roles, which is contrary to the collaborative practice model that encourages teamwork, mutual respect, and shared decision-making among diverse healthcare professionals.