Working with registrars: a qualitative study of interns' perceptions and experiences.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and explore behavioural characteristics of registrars that interns find helpful in their working relationships and workplace learning.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews with 18 interns at Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, at the end of their first working year as doctors. The survey was conducted between December 2003 and February 2004.


METHODS
Desirable and undesirable behavioural characteristics in registrars, as reported by interns.


RESULTS
Overall, interns' opinions of registrars were positive. Desirable characteristics in registrars included approachability, availability, good communication skills, and a willingness to teach. Undesirable characteristics included an unwillingness to listen, unreasonably high expectations, a condescending attitude, apathy and rudeness.


CONCLUSIONS
The behavioural characteristics of registrars that interns find helpful are identifiable, and there is significant room for improvement in the quality of clinical mentoring by registrars. The next step is to facilitate regular feedback from interns on registrars' performance, and to develop ways to encourage desirable behaviours in registrars while actively discouraging undesirable behaviours.
Lack
Christopher S
CS
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Cartmill
John A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009517:New South Wales; D013663:Teaching