Intern learning and education in a short stay unit. A qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To study interns' perceptions of their learning during their rotation through a short stay unit (SSU).


METHODS
Case-based, qualitative research study.


METHODS
A tertiary care pediatric hospital (The Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass).


METHODS
Ten interns who had worked in the SSU in the 3 months prior to June 1, 1995, and on a general medical team in the previous 12 months.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
In July 1995, the interns participated in focused, open-ended interviews lasting about 40 to 60 minutes to document their perceptions of their learning during their SSU rotation. The interviews were recorded on audiotape and transcribed prior to analysis. Data were analyzed to discern and categorize themes from the interns' responses.


RESULTS
All interns responded favorably to their educational and learning experiences during their rotation through the SSU. Two major themes emerged: (1) the interns' learning, which was affected by the role of the attending physician, the organization and structure of the SSU, and the teaching strategies in the SSU; and (2) the interns' collaborative work with the nursing staff in the SSU, which affected patient care but did not facilitate the interns' learning.


CONCLUSIONS
Clustering in the SSU of patients whose symptoms suggested straightforward diagnoses enhanced interns' educational experiences.
Marks
M K
MK
Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., USA.
Baskin
M N
MN
Lovejoy
F H
FH
Hafler
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001900:Boston; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D007902:Length of Stay; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*