Abstract

PRIETO RODRIGUEZ, M. Ángeles et al. Definition of medical competence. The point of view of chronically-ill patients in the Andalusian public healthcare system (Spain). Gac Sanit [online]. 2012, vol.26, n.5, pp.450-456. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2012.02.007.

Objective: To identify the attributes used by chronically-ill patients to describe physicians´ competence in the public healthcare system in Andalucia. Methods: A total of 147 chronically-ill patients and their relatives were included in this qualitative study. Focal groups and in-depth interviews were performed in health centers and outpatient centers in Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cadiz and Cordoba between 2007 and 2008. Content analysis was carried out using Nudist Vivo. Results: The participants defined medical competence as combining elements of technical ability and knowledge (awareness of and interest in the disease, continuity of follow-up and requesting specific tests) with interpersonal skills related to communication, information (informing, listening, trust, prompting questions) and attention (courtesy, cordiality, respect, interest and approachability). Primary care was expected to provide a close relationship, personalized treatment, information, drug prescription, and referral to specialized care. Specialized care was expected to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, information and follow-up. Highly valued aspects of emergency care were symptom relief, accurate diagnosis, referral to specialists and courtesy. Conclusions: Chronically-ill patients based their evaluation of medical competence on technical and interpersonal skills.

Keywords : Medical competence; Healthcare system; Qualitative methods.

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