The way ahead for improving the health of Syrian women through identification of core competencies

Abstract

Background: The rates and causes of perinatal deaths of mothers in Syria, as well as the coverage rates in reproductive and maternal health, reflect a serious decline in the quality of care. Researchers indicate that lack of clinical skills are the main reason of maternal death. Therefore, this study was undertaken at identifying the essential competencies required in order to deliver the best health care to women. Methods: A purposive, multidisciplinary sample of 22 medical experts participated in the study, and two rounds of modified Delphi technique were applied using two criteria, percentage and mean value, to identify core competencies regarding women's health. Results: 55 core competencies, including 22 cognitive, 17 skills, 16 attitudes, were identified, and divided into 35 essential and 20 important competencies. Also, 53 competencies were determined as necessary for the general practitioner, including 15 cognitive (knowledge), 16 skills, 22 attitudes, whereas 17 competencies were considered, exclusively, for the specialist. Conclusions Undergraduates need to focus on competencies that are related mostly to preventive and promotive maternal, and antenatal care. It is hoped that this approach would help curriculum planners in Syrian medical schools and other faculties in the world with similar circumstances, to address these competencies in their curricula that consequently improve the quality of life and well- being of women.