Developing a competency model for Chinese general practitioners: a mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Medical Education
• General Practice

Background:

• China's government is strengthening general practitioner (GP) roles as primary healthcare gatekeepers.
• Policies and GP training initiatives are being implemented to support this objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the core competencies of Chinese GPs.
• To develop a competency framework tailored to China's specific healthcare context.
• To provide a scientific basis for GP education, training, and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Literature analysis and behavioral event interviews were used to create a competency dictionary and initial model.
• Two rounds of Delphi method achieved consensus on the final model.
• A nationwide survey in 10 provinces collected 1917 valid responses, with data analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) to assess reliability and validity.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive dictionary of 107 competency items was developed, refined to 60 competencies across 6 domains through expert consensus.
• The nationwide survey confirmed the model's strong reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.984) and validity (AVE > 0.5, CR > 0.7).
• Factor analysis supported the 6-domain structure, explaining 68.16% of the variance and demonstrating acceptable model fit indices.

Conclusions:

• A robust competency model for general practitioners (GPs) specifically designed for China has been successfully developed.
• This validated model offers crucial guidance for the future education, training, and medical licensing examinations of GPs in China.