Constructing a general competency model for Chinese public health physicians: a qualitative and quantitative study

Background: The purpose of the study was to construct a general model of the competencies required by Chinese public health physicians. This study is intended to lay the foundation for promoting reform of public health education in China, and may help perfect the testing and grading system of public health courses. Methods: The behavioral event interviews were used to collect data on knowledge, skills and performance characteristics of public health physicians for coping with public health events. A random stratified sampling survey was used to select public health professionals and workers from different public health institutions in 14 provinces (municipalities or autonomous regions) of China. We then purposively selected 150 senior public health professionals from various agencies and 85 senior public health educators at colleges and universities to take part in the checklist survey. Finally, three times expert consultations were performed to determine the dimensions and elements of the general competency model for Chinese public health physicians. Results: The age range of the 3245 participants was 18-65 years old. When comparing public health professionals and public health education specialists, we found significant differences in the perceived importance of the core competencies between these groups. The model was revised several times and finalized through the expert consultations, and comprised seven competency dimensions. Conclusion: The final public health practitioner competency model comprised seven competency dimensions: basic knowledge of medicine, public health knowledge, health management and health promotion, specialized skills, research and development, comprehensive abilities and professionalism.