Evaluation of self-perceived competency levels and perspectives of primary care physicians on psychiatry related basic practical skills: A nationwide study in Turkey (tur)

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine self-perceived competency levels and perspectives of primary care physicians on psychiatry related basic practical skills that are in Turkish National Core Curriculum 2014. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that 4117 primary care physicians participated. An electronic survey form has been sent to primary care physicians who actively work in Turkey to determine the primary care physicians’ self-perceived competency levels and the level that a medical student should reach at the graduation, on the psychiatry related basic practical skills that is in National Core Curriculum 2014. The study was carried out between October 1, 2017 and September 1, 2018. Descriptive statistical methods and chi square test were performed during analysis process. Results: Self-perceived competency levels on psychiatry related skills of primary care physicians were between 27,3% and 62,4%. The proportion of incompetent primary care physicians was statistically higher among physicians who has graduated from medical school more than five years ago (p<0.05). Out of nine skills, primary care physicians’ perspectives and NCC-2014 levels were consistent. Discussion: Primary care physicians who work in Turkey has low self-perceived levels on psychiatry related basic practical skills in National Core Curriculum 2014. Newly graduated physicians (five years from graduation) perceive themselves less incompetent. National Core Curriculum 2014 levels are compatible with perspectives of primary care physicians. It is suggested that undergraduate medical curricula should be evaluated in terms of psychiatry related basic practical skills.