[Practical clinical skills in medical education 1--undergraduate education. A Delphi survey].

INTRODUCTION

The necessity of defining standards in medical education is increasingly recognised. The aim of the present study was to adapt the Delphi method in establishing a consensus about competence levels of basic clinical skills in the undergraduate medical curriculum.

METHOD

We used a Delphi design with two postal rounds. An expert panel of 52 physicians was selected on the criteria of knowledge and practical engagement in medical education. Questionnaires were set up with lists of 213 practical skills based on literature studies. Six levels of competence were identified. The task of the panel was to select the competence level for each skill.

RESULTS

The panel reached a 75% level of consensus in 212 of the 213 skills. A core curriculum of basic clinical skills in the medical education of Danish undergraduates is proposed.

DISCUSSION

The Delphi method was found applicable to qualify the process of identifying goals in a medical curriculum design.