Certification of residents in general practice as competent professionals: example of a French post-graduate training program and evaluation process

Abstract Background Despite a societal demand, there are no guidelines for a certification in general practice in the world. In France, there is a national register of professional certifications (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles, RNCP). Objectives To analyse the training and evaluation process of RNCP-certified professions that have common competences with general practice, in order to compare them with the postgraduate program in general practice in Toulouse medical school, France. This comparison aimed to assess whether the existing model in Toulouse could potentially align with RNCP standards, thus paving the way for a recognized French certification in general practice. Methods Two researchers conducted a systematic review of the RNCP database and analysed independently 22643 records. Professions with at least 8 common competences with the French competency framework in general practice were identified. Results 15 professions were identified and analysed. Their training could include theoretical teaching (simulation, acquisition of resources, reflexivity), practical teaching (internship), formative evaluation (internship logbook, portfolio) and tutoring. All had intermediate and final evaluations. The training course in general practice in Toulouse medical school seems comparable. It is based on simulated and real-life situations in a competency-based approach. Conclusion The training course in Toulouse seems valid to allow a certification in general practice. Strengths: This research was conducted on a validated national database. Each stage was separately analysed by two researchers. Limitations: There was no validated analysis model for the study of such a database, which included sometimes very heterogeneous records. There may have been a selection bias. The minimum level of competence for certification expected at the end of the course needs to be defined.