Open AccessA modified Delphi approach to enhance nurturing of professionalism in postgraduate medical education in Singapore
Author(s) -
Yao Hao Teo,
Tan Ying Peh,
Ahmad Bin Hanifah Marican Abdurrahman,
Alexia Sze Inn Lee,
Min Chiam,
Warren Fong,
Limin Wijaya,
Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
singapore medical journal/singapore medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.452
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 2737-5935
pISSN - 0037-5675
DOI - 10.11622/smedj.2021224
Subject(s) - delphi method , medical education , delphi , engineering ethics , psychology , medicine , pedagogy , sociology , engineering , computer science , operating system , artificial intelligence
Nurturing professional identities instils behavioural standards of physicians, in turn facilitating consistent professional attitudes, practice, and patient care. Identities are socioculturally constructed efforts, thus we must account for the social, cultural, and local healthcare factors that shape physicians’ roles, responsibilities and expectations. This study aims to forward a program to nurture professionalism amongst physicians in Singapore. Methods: A 3-phased-evidenced-based-approach was used. First, a systematic scoping review (SSR) was conducted to identify professionalism elements. Second, a questionnaire was created drawing from the SS’s findings. Third, a modified Delphi involving local experts identifying socioculturally appropriate elements to nurture professionalism was conducted. Results: The 124 included articles in the SSR revealed definitions, knowledge, skills, and approaches to nurturing professionalism. The modified Delphi identified professional traits, virtues, communication, ethical, self-care, teaching and assessment methods, and support mechanisms. Conclusion: Results formed the basis to a holistic and longitudinal program focused on instilling professional traits and competencies over time through personalised and holistic support of physicians. Findings will be of interest to medical communities in the region and beyond.