Development of a competency model for general practitioners after standardized residency training in China by a modified Delphi method

• Main Authors: Yun Wei, Feiyue Wang, Zhaolu Pan, Meirong Wang, Guanghui Jin, Yanli Liu, Xiaoqin Lu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-08-01
• Series: BMC Family Practice
• Subjects: China; Competency; Delphi method; General practitioner; Training
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01508-7

Abstract Background The “5 + 3” residency training is the main stream general practitioner training program in China. However, a competency model is absent for evaluating the clinical competence attained by general practitioners after training. This study was conducted to develop a consensus set of competencies for general practitioners after standardized residency training in China. Methods A modified Delphi process was deployed to develop the competency model, including two stages: (1) generation of an initial set of competencies derived from literature review, behavioral observation of GP–patient consultations, and critical incidents interview of GPs; (2) a 2-round, web-based Delphi survey of experts in general practice, selected using purposive sampling, to prioritize and gain consensus on the essential competencies of GPs. Results From literature review, behavioral observation, and critical incidents interview, 46 competencies in 7 domains were identified. After two rounds of Delphi survey of 28 participants (the mean age was 47.9 [9.3] years and 64.3% were women) representing a range of health professionals (GPs, managers, and researchers), a consensus was reached on 50 competencies categorized into 7 domains. Conclusion A consensus-based competency model for general practitioners in China has been identified which may be used to evaluate the general practitioners’ clinical competence after standardized training.