What are the most important non-academic attributes of good doctors? A Delphi survey of clinicians

Abstract

Background: Although a multiplicity of qualities and behaviours considered essential in a good doctor are identified in the profession's guidance documents, there is no consensus as to their relative importance, or indeed, agreement as to the core qualities that should be, or could be, feasibly assessed in the limited time of the typical medical school interview.

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the most important generic attributes of good doctors, which can inform the content of the undergraduate medical student selection processes.

Method: The study used a Delphi survey to systematically gather the opinion of a panel of experts from a range of medical specialties as to the most important core attributes of good doctors. Additionally, a snapshot of opinion was obtained from the attendees of workshops held at a medical school educational conference.

Results: Common core attributes of a good doctor were identified across a number of medical specialties.

Conclusions: Consensus among clinicians from disparate specialties can be reached as to the most important generic attributes of good doctors and can be used to inform the choice of personal qualities and behaviours examined during undergraduate medical student selection process.