Table 3 Final competencies in the competency model for general practitioners in China

1. Knowledge and skills

1.1 Maintain in-depth knowledge of clinical medicine

1.2 Maintain in-depth knowledge of general practice

1.3 Maintain in-depth knowledge of public health

1.4 Maintain in-depth knowledge of rehabilitation

1.5 Maintain in-depth knowledge of psychology and sociology

1.6 Be equipped with the skill of history taking

1.7 Be equipped with the skill of physical examination

1.8 Interpret basic clinical tests and images correctly

1.9 Be equipped with the skill of clinical operation

1.10 Use electronic health record system effectively

2. Patient care

2.1 Manage diseases at early stage presenting in an undifferentiated way

2.2 Manage simultaneously multiple complaints, both acute and chronic health problems in the individual

2.3 Manage emergency conditions

2.4 Arrange referrals to specialists when necessary

2.5 Ensure patient safety

2.6 Provide advice of rehabilitation when necessary

2.7 Sign contracts with patients and provide continuous service

2.8 Provide home visit and follow-up

2.9 Provide home care when necessary

3. Basic public health services

3.1 Organize health education

3.2 Provide preventive care by vaccination

3.3 Establish and manage the health files

3.4 Manage the care of special population in the community (elderly, women, children, disabled, patients with mental illness)

3.5 Undertake the continuing management of chronic health problems

3.6 Identify and manage public health emergencies

4. Communication

4.1 Listen carefully to patients and be empathy

4.2 Explain things clearly and check for patients and families understanding

4.3 Discuss with patients and families about their health condition and thoughts

4.4 Propose treatment plan to patients and families

4.5 Engage patients and families in making decision of therapy plan that reflect the their needs, value and goals

4.6 Communicate effectively with colleagues

4.7 Communicate effectively with stuffs in other institutions

5. Teamwork

5.1 Collaborate with the members in GP team

5.2 Collaborate with other colleagues

5.3 Collaborate with stuffs in other institutions

5.4 Allocate resources of the institution for optimal patient care

5.5 Demonstrate collaborative leadership in professional practice to enhance health care

5.6 Encourage community personnel and social resources to help with community health services

6. Professionalism

6.1 Adhere to the medical rules and regulations strictly

6.2 Demonstrate a commitment to patients through clinical excellence and high ethical standards

6.3 Adhere to patients’ right to know

6.4 Adhere to confidentiality and privacy principles

6.5 Have the sense of responsibility

6.6 Self-adjust in the face of challenges

7. Education, learning and research

7.1 Teach students

7.2 Be engaged in practice-based learning and development

7.3 Be engaged in the continuous enhancement of their professional activities through ongoing learning

7.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles of research

7.5 Search, navigate, and evaluate resources and clinical practice guidelines that are relevant to general practice

7.6 Participate in or conduct researches in general practice