Identification of Competence in Health Promotion of Family Physicians in Cuba. Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: to explore different points of view of family physicians about the more important knowledge, attitudes and skills (competences) that physicians must have in their professional practice for health promotion. Methods: qualitative and descriptive study, that combines two different collection of data techniques: interview in depth and focus group, made during November and December, 2011 and April 2012. Three focus groups were made and five interviews in depth to family physicians rigorously selected, of wide experience, from of several polyclinics from the Santiago of Cuba and Guantanamo municipalities; several topics were directed: personal concept about health promotion, knowledge, skills and attitudes. Results: there was a predominance in the educational conception of health promotion rather than of environmental and community topics. Knowledge, attitudes and skills were identified, highlighting the need of more skills and attitudes rather than knowledge. Knowledge was focused on the implementation of updated theories and models. Conclusions: education and training in health promotion within family medicine need to be based on competences perceived by family physicians according to their job performance.