Prediction of intern attendance at a seminar-based training programme: a behavioural intention model.
BACKGROUND
The factors determining intern attendance at 'resident rounds' training programmes are not known.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to use a behavioural model (the Triandis theory of social behaviour) to predict intern attendance at the resident round programme at a metropolitan teaching hospital.


METHODS
These included 109 interns in a large metropolitan teaching hospital, in the 1996 and 1997 cohorts.


METHODS
Tabulated responses from a structured interview administered to 10 randomly selected interns were used to develop survey items related to the Triandis variables. Attendance was monitored using a sessional logbook and by self-report. Item analysis was conducted for each variable scale. Stepwise multiple regression models were constructed to predict attendance and intention.


RESULTS
The average proportion of resident rounds attended was 43% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 40-47%) from logbook attendance, and 63% (95% CI 61-65%) by self-report. Cronbach's alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.62 to 0.91. Intern attendance was predicted by the habit of attendance and negatively predicted by facilitating conditions (AdjR2=0.26, P<0.0001). The intention to attend was only independently predicted by perceived consequences (AdjR2= 0.19, P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The establishment of resident education programmes within teaching hospitals requires attention to and modification of facilitating conditions that may allow improvements in attendance and in quality of the programme.
Boots
R J
RJ
Intensive Care Facility, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
Treloar
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D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D011793:Queensland; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D016526:Workload