Competency Profile for Primary Health Care Managers in Chile: Mixed-Methods Validation Through Expert Judgment

Background/Objectives: Strengthening management competencies are essential to ensure effective and equitable Primary Health Care (PHC) systems. Emerging perspectives suggest that effective leadership in PHC could benefit from integrating cognitive, emotional, and social competencies. Although there is existing evidence on the required competencies worldwide and the characterization of PHC managers in Chile, no study has yet developed or validated a specific competency profile for these positions. This study developed and validated a competency profile for PHC managers to provide an evidence-based and context-specific tool for leadership, training, and evaluation. Methods: A mixed-method observational study based on expert judgment was conducted across three Chilean macrozones (northern, central, and southern), involving 36 professionals with recognized experience in PHC management identified through direct contact and snowball sampling. Quantitative validation through the Content Validity Index (CVI) confirmed high expert agreement (CVI ≥ 0.90), while thematic analysis of qualitative responses led to the inclusion of new areas. Results: The final profile comprises 47 competencies organized into knowledge, skills, and attitudes, emphasizing executive functions and social cognition and incorporating emerging domains such as emotional intelligence and institutional support. Beyond managerial relevance, the profile offers a structured framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating competency-based education and training in health sciences. Conclusions: These results also support leadership development and performance assessment, providing an evidence-based reference for professional training initiatives in PHC. This profile emphasizes that leadership development should not be limited to technical competencies, but also encompasses emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions essential for effective performance.