Self-reported training assessment of medical interns and fresh graduates of a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: In India internship training is considered to be a period of learning entrusted with clinical responsibilities. This study helps to know the self-reported preparedness of fresh graduates for internship as well as trained interns to be a practicising primary care doctor. Methods: Cross sectional study was done in a tertiary care teaching hospital of South India. Thirty five interns who completed training and thirty five fresh graduates entering internship were randomly recruited for the study after getting ethics committee approval. Data was collected in a structured questionnaire which assessed the confidence levels of the participants in performing various skilled activities. The feedback regarding training and suggestions were also received. The data was analysed by SPSS 16. Both the groups were considered to be equally competent and hence non parametric test for 2 independent samples Mann Whitney U, Chi square test and Fisher's exact test was done. Results: Apart from delivering health talks in local bodies and prescribing oral contraceptives there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the confidence levels of interns who completed training. Total scores of trained interns were greater than that of fresh graduates (p<0.001). 97.14 % participants wanted cardiology as a compulsory area of training for internship. Suggestions for improvement include orientation classes, exact procedure demonstrations, more seminars and active involvement of interns in management of the patients. Conclusions: Internship training is effective in this tertiary care hospital and trained interns make better doctors than fresh doctors as the theoretical knowledge gained is put into practice.