Does the need for professional competencies change during the physician's career? -- A Finnish national survey.

Background: Competence consists of a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that physicians utilize in their work. Different models for defining physician competency areas have been used in medical organizations. The goal of this study was to explore how Finnish physicians perceive the need for different competency areas in their work. Methods: The data for this study were collected in a national questionnaire administered by the Finnish Medical Association (response rate == 63%%; N == 10,624). The competency framework was derived from the CanMEDS framework (seven areas) and detailed into 11 items focusing on different aspects of phycicians'' work. The participants were asked to evaluate how much they needed different items in their work. Results: Factor analysis identified three broad competency dimensions: (1) medical knowledge, (2) management skills and (3) interpersonal skills. There were differences in the need for these competency dimensions according to work assignment and age, reflecting occupational status and amount of work experience and specialty. Conclusions: The results were in agreement with the theoretical framework, but the factor analysis compressed the competency areas into three broader dimensions. This study suggests that different positions require different competencies from physicians. Therefore, if physicians are assessed, they should be assessed in accordance with their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Teacher is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)