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

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.