General practice residents' understanding and adherence to the competency-based learning

Introduction. The french curriculum of medical studies in general practice is actually a competency-based learning, which is particularly adapted to professional advanced learning. The understanding of this notion has never been studied in residents. Objective. This study aimed at assessing the understanding and support to the notion of competence with the residents of the Paris-Sud University. The skill "dealing with uncertainty in general practice" has been used to explore the competency-based learning. Methods. A mixed-method was used for this pilot study. A focus group was carried out with nine residents. A thematic analysis has produced some categories. Then, a quantitative questionnaire was handed out to the final-year residents of Paris-Sud University general practice residents to meet the study's goal. Results. For the residents, the notion of competence was vague and complex: they were unaware of their difficulties in understanding the logic underlying competence-based learning. They drew a simplistic parallel between skills, written accounts of learning and assessment by teachers. Concerning the skill "dealing with uncertainty in general practice" chosen as an illustration, they were able to quote elements that were part of it by describing processes they would use to handle such situations. The suggestions for improvement mainly concern the coherence of this learning method by the teaching team. Conclusion. The appropriation of competence-based learning by residents requires clear explanations, early in the curriculum. Appropriation of the tools of this model and pedagogical coherence all the way through the curriculum are crucial.