Study on the application of epidemiological thinking and methods in the training of general practitioners

Objective Epidemiology is not only the main subject of public health, but also an applied science widely used in other disciplines. The general practice, which centers on people's health, plays an important role in disease prevention and health management, and is the "gatekeeper" of residents' health. This study analyzed the application significance of epidemiological thinking and methods in the training of general practitioners for enlightening further development of general practice education in China. Methods We searched CNKI database, Wanfang database, VIP database, and Pubmed for articles about general practice published between 1990 and 2020 using "epidemiology", "general Practice", "general practitioner", "family doctor", "team of general practitioners" and "general practice education" as terms, analyzed and summarized the main combination points of epidemiological thinking and methods based on the current situation of general practice education in China. Results At present, the teaching ideas and methods of integrating epidemiological thinking and methods were inadequate. The enlarged health conception of prevention-first should be integrated into the education and work of general practitioners, of whom be added to the training of coordinated disposal skills for public health emergencies, and so the integration effect of tertiary prevention, epidemiological investigation should be highlighted in the training of general practitioners. Conclusion The epidemiological thinking and methods should integrate into the whole process of general practice education and practice in order to training as general practitioners with enlarged health conception who maintain and promote residents' health.