[Physicians' clinical skills after finishing internship].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate Danish interns' clinical skills after their internship in order to identify areas where systematic training is needed. This study was a follow-up of a previous study on a group of interns at the beginning of their internship.


METHODS
A questionnaire listing 88 practical skills was posted to a group of trainees before and after internship. The interns were asked to rate their level of mastery in each skill on a scale 0-10, where 0 = not mastery/not competent and 10 = mastery/competent.


RESULTS
In all, 74 out of 100 trainees returned the questionnaire. In 60 of the skills the trainees reported a higher level of mastery after internship and in 28 procedures the level of skill did not improve. Ten of these are procedures used in emergency settings.


CONCLUSIONS
The reliability of self-reported clinical skills can be discussed, but it is a major concern that skills particularly in emergency procedures do not improve. There is a need to define clear objectives, implement structured training programmes, and assess skills in order to accomplish a reliable and sufficient level of competency.
Ringsted
Charlotte V
CV
H:S Postgraduate Medicinske Institut, H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 København NV. c.ringsted@inet.uni2.dk
Pallisgaard
Jane
J
Falck
Geir
G
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003718:Denmark; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires