Exploring Behavioral Competencies for Effective Medical Practice in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Clinical performance varies due to academic, clinical, and behavioral factors. However, in many countries, selection of medical professionals tends to focus on exclusively academic ability and clinical acumen. Appropriate selection processes for medical professionals should consider behavioral factors, which may vary across contexts. This study was conducted to identify behavioral competencies considered relevant for effective medical practice in Nigeria, by medical students and doctors, and compared with other contexts. METHODS: This mixed methods study draws on a scoping review and nominal group technique exercises. We undertook a scoping review to develop a list of behavioral attributes that may correlate with effective service provision in the empirical literature, across contexts. Drawing on nominal group technique exercises with 17 medical students and 11 physicians, this starting list was modified through scoring and ranking of selected competencies. We compared the list of competencies and rankings between medical students, doctors, and the scoping review. RESULTS: The scoping review identified 9 articles for full-text review, resulting in a starting list of 21 behavioral competencies defined in studies, all of which had been conducted in non-African countries. The nominal group technique exercises conducted with medical students and doctors yielded a condensed list of 32 and 27 behavioral competencies respectively. For doctor-client interactions, effective communication and patient-centeredness were ranked highly, while for doctor-colleague interactions, teamwork, respectfulness, and management ability were ranked highly. There were also divergences in the condensed list of behavioral competencies and the scoping review, which may be explained by cultural and non-cultural factors. DISCUSSION: This study is one of the few to examine the perspectives of medical students and physicians on behavioral competencies for effective medical practice in an African country. We found differences in the perspectives of medical physicians and students, and in the prioritized competencies across countries. Our study illustrates the need for careful consideration in identifying subject matter experts and in generalizing competencies across contexts. Future research in this field in Nigeria should examine effective ways of testing for key behavioral competencies among medical students and for residency programs. Also, investigating the perspectives of medical faculty and administrators on important competencies, and exploring the generalizability of these competencies across cultures in Nigeria should be considered.