International perspective on common core competencies for occupational physicians: a modified Delphi study

Lalloo, D., Demou, E. , Kiran, S. , Cloeren, M., Mendes, R. and Macdonald, E. B. (2016) International perspective on common core competencies for occupational physicians: a modified Delphi study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016(73), pp. 452-458. (doi: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103285) (PMID:27076063) (PMCID:PMC4941142)

[img]
Preview
Text
117858.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

476kB

Abstract

Objectives: The competencies required of occupational physicians (OPs) have been the subject of peer-reviewed research in Europe and individual countries around the world. In the European Union (EU), there has been development of guidance on training and common competencies, but little research has extended beyond this. The aim of this study was to obtain consensus on and identify the common core competencies required of OPs around the world. Methods: A modified Delphi study was carried out among representative organisations and networks of OPs in a range of countries around the world. It was conducted in 2 rounds using a questionnaire based on the specialist training syllabus of a number of countries, expert panel reviews and conference discussions. Results: Responses were received from 51 countries around the world, with the majority from Europe (60%; 59%) and North and South America (24%; 32%) in rounds 1 and 2, respectively. General principles of assessment and management of occupational hazards to health and good clinical care were jointly considered most important in ranking when compared with the other topic areas. Assessment of disability and fitness for work, communication skills and legal and ethical issues completed the top five. In both rounds, research methods and teaching and educational supervision were considered least important. Conclusions: This study has established the current priorities among OPs across 51 countries of the common competencies required for occupational health (OH) practice. These findings can serve as a platform for the development of common core competencies/qualifications within specific geographical regions or internationally. This is particularly pertinent with globalisation of commerce and free movement within the EU.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacDonald, Professor Ewan and Demou, Dr Evangelia and Lalloo, Professor Drushca and Kiran, Professor Sibel
Authors: Lalloo, D., Demou, E., Kiran, S., Cloeren, M., Mendes, R., and Macdonald, E. B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Journal Abbr.:Occup Environ Med
Publisher:BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:1351-0711
ISSN (Online):1470-7926
Published Online:13 April 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2016(73):452-458
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
620221MRC SPHSU/GU Transfer FellowshipsLaurence MooreMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_PC_13027IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU