[Generic competences in medical undergraduate education].
BACKGROUND
In medical practice physicians need both vocational and generic competences. The importance of generic competences In medical undergraduate curriculum is often poorly appreciated.


METHODS
We assessed by questionnaires the opinions of medical students of the importance of generic competences in medical practice and of their anticipated development during undergraduate medical education in the University of Turku.


RESULTS
Students thought that application of medical knowledge in practice, information acquisition, independent working and problem solving skills are important in medical practice and are also well-handled in undergraduate education. On the other hand, students felt that competences, like coping at work, tolerance of uncertainty and organizing skills are often needed in medical profession, but are insufficiently considered in basic education.


CONCLUSIONS
The balance between importance in medical practice and educational development of generic competences should be more explicitly considered in undergraduate medical teaching.
Kääpä
Pekka
P
Turun yliopisto, lääketieteellisen koulutuksen tutkimus- ja kehittämisyksikkö, Kiinamyllynkatu 13.
Hoffren
Johanna
J
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires