[A study about the desirable characteristics of the qualified physicians: the application of Delphi method]

The purpose of this study is to adapt the Delphi Study method in establishing a consensus of good doctor characteristics from a panel of department heads (N = 22) at four medical colleges in Taiwan within three given categories: 1. professional knowledge and techniques; 2. attitudes and standards; and 3. interpersonal relationship. In this study three rounds of questionnaires were administered to the panel to extract their opinions regarding the characteristics of good doctoring. 76 items of good doctoring characteristics were solicited from the department heads at four medical colleges to the opening questionnaire. The conclusive results indicated that 15 of these 58 items were ranked as the most important characteristics by panel members. The findings from this investigation will help facilitate the decision making process of officials regarding innovation in the training of good doctor. Moreover, the conclusions could be included in developing and planning of instruments for the future doctor evaluation methods.