Defining the capabilities and competencies of high-performing family physicians: a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Research
• Professional Competencies

Background:

• High-performing primary care is crucial for effective healthcare systems.
• Many medical graduates feel unprepared for independent practice.
• Research on key competencies for Canadian family medicine graduates is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify capabilities and competencies of high-performing early-career family physicians in Ontario, Canada.
• To explore enhancements for learning, teaching, and assessment in family medicine residency programs.
• To inform educational strategies for comprehensive family medicine practice.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods explanatory sequential study design using a Professional Capability Framework.
• Quantitative survey of ~50 high-performing early-career family physicians.
• Qualitative workshops with stakeholders (educators, regulators, professional associations).

Main Results:

• Identification of key personal, interpersonal, and cognitive capabilities of high-performing family physicians.
• Validation of findings through stakeholder workshops.
• Data analysis using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Conclusions:

• The study will define essential competencies for confident independent practice in family medicine.
• Findings will guide the development of fit-for-purpose educational strategies.
• Results will contribute to improving primary care physician preparedness.