title: A new competency model for general practice: implications for selection, training, and careers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent structural and policy changes in the UK health service have significantly changed the job responsibilities for the GP role.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To replicate a previous job analysis study to examine the relevance of current competency domains and selection criteria for doctors entering training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multisource, multimethod approach comprising three phases: (1) stakeholder consultation (n = 205) using interviews, focus groups and behavioural observation of practising GPs; (2) a validation questionnaire based on results from phase 1 (n = 1082); followed by (3) an expert panel (n = 6) to review and confirm the final competency domains.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven competency domains were identified, which extends previous research findings. A new domain was identified called Leading for Continuing Improvement. Results show that, Empathy and Perspective Taking, Communication Skills, Clinical Knowledge and Expertise, and Professional Integrity are currently rated the most important domains. Results indicate a significant increase in ratings of importance for each domain in the future (P<0.001), except for Communication Skills and Empathy and Perspective Taking, which consistently remain high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The breadth of competencies required for GPs has increased significantly. GPs are now required to resolve competing tensions to be effective in their role, such as maintaining a patient focus while overseeing commissioning, with a potential ethical conflict between these aspects. Selection criteria remain largely unchanged but with increased priority in some domains (for example, Effective Teamworking). However, there is an urgent need to review the training provision arrangements to reflect the greater breadth of competencies now required.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge. F.patterson@workpsychologygroup.com
authors: Fiona
authors: F
authors: Patterson
authors: Abdol
authors: A
authors: Tavabie
authors: MeiLing
authors: M
authors: Denney
authors: Máire
authors: M
authors: Kerrin
authors: Vicki
authors: V
authors: Ashworth
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Koczwara
authors: Sheona
authors: S
authors: MacLeod
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D017144:Focus Groups; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013038:Specialization; D006113:United Kingdom
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