Chan SC
Correspondence: Prof Dr Chan Sook Ching, csching@rcmp.unikl.edu.my
ABSTRACT
Introduction This study aimed to determine the views of Malaysian interns and their supervisors on whether undergraduate clinical skills training adequately equipped them for internship and their suggestions for improvement.
Methods Pre-tested questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, the participants’ views on clinical skills training (communication, history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, patient management and procedures) and their suggestions for improvement were sent to all interns and their supervisors through the hospital directors. Data compiled was analysed to determine any significant association.
Results Out of the 32 hospitals with interns, 22 participated in the study. 521 completed questionnaires (350 interns, 171 supervisors) were analysed. The majority of interns felt that their undergraduate clinical skills training was adequate in all the aspects studied. The majority of supervisors, however, felt that it was grossly inadequate to poor in the areas of communication: breaking bad news (77% supervisors versus 13% interns), dealing with angry patients (75% versus 20%), giving information (59% versus 3%), communicating with patients’ families (53% versus 7%); adult resuscitation: intubation (72% versus 23%), defibrillation (77% versus 31%), use of drugs (62% versus 19%); and all aspects of child resuscitation. This was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Suggestions for improvement included more clinical exposure, communication skills workshop and monitoring of logbooks.
Conclusion This study suggests that there are deficiencies, particularly in communication and resuscitation skills training, in undergraduate clinical skills training. In-depth studies are required to identify ways to improve training.
Keywords: clinical competence, education, internship and residency, medical, undergraduate
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(3): 196–202
