gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Complementary and Integrative medical procedures (CIM) play an important role in general practice (GP). Consequently, in some countries (e.g. USA, Australia) specific curricula for the integration of CIM in GP postgraduate education exist. However, up to date there is no such curriculum for CIM competencies in Germany. The aim of this study was to identify and define a set of CIM competencies that are seen as relevant and feasible for postgraduate education in general practice.

Methods: Firstly a survey among GP trainees (n=138) was performed in order to assess attitudes and needs towards CIM. Then, based on international literature, existing CIM curricula were identified, translated into German and compared with the needs assessment from the survey. Finally, in a multi-stage Delphi procedure among GP trainers, GP trainees and members of professional CIM associations (n=131) the list of competencies was evaluated according to relevance and feasibility for general practice.

Results: CIM competencies were identified and evaluated resulting in a final catalogue of 16 competencies covering the following CIM areas: Medical knowledge, patient care and communication, practice-based learning, professionalism and competencies based on the German health care system.

Discussion: The final catalogue of CIM competencies is intended to serve for GP training complementing the German competence-based curriculum for general practice. These competencies cover basic skills and are not intended to replace existing postgraduate training in specific CIM methods such as acupuncture or manual medicine.

Take home message: A list of relevant competencies on CIM will be available in order to serve as add-on for postgraduate education in general practice in Germany.