The new GP curriculum
The new GP curriculum outlines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are needed to practise general practice in the UK.1 The curriculum is based on learning outcomes and clearly states the domains of core competences that are needed. These include1:
- Primary care management
- Person centred care
- Specific problem solving skills
- A comprehensive approach
- Community orientation
- A holistic approach.
Domain 1 - Primary care management
This competence is primarily concerned with the ability "to manage primary contact with patients, dealing with unselected problems" and to look after patients with a wide range of illnesses.1
Domain 2 - Person centred care
This competence is concerned with the ability "to adopt a person-centred approach in dealing with patients and their problems, in the context of patient's circumstances."1 It is about respecting the patient's autonomy and having excellent communication skills.
Domain 3 - Specific problem solving skills
This competence is concerned with the ability "to relate specific decision-making processes to the prevalence and incidence of illness in the community."1 Once again it is about solving problems in partnership with the patient and about knowing when to manage patients in general practice and when to refer them to secondary care.
Domain 4 - A comprehensive approach
This competence is concerned with the ability "to manage simultaneously multiple complaints and pathologies, both acute and chronic health problems."1 It is also about preventing disease and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Domain 5 - Community orientation
This competence is concerned with the ability "to reconcile the health needs of individual patients and the health needs of the community in which they live, balancing these with available resources."1
Domain 6 - A holistic approach
This competence is concerned with the ability "to use bio-psycho-social models, taking into account cultural and existential dimensions."1
Reference: 1. Curriculum Statement - Being a GP.
