Preparedness for internship: a survey of new interns in a large Victorian Health Service

Abstract

Objective. To gain better understanding of the work-preparedness of new interns and identify areas where further training and education should be provided.

Design. Surveys of new interns assessing self-reported confidence and preparedness for tasks commonly undertaken without direct supervision. The first survey was undertaken before the cohort had started work, the second once they had completed their second intern rotation.

Setting. A large metropolitan Victorian health service.

Participants. All interns starting in 2009 at Southern Health. Of the total 66 interns, 52 (84%) completed the first survey and 37 (56%) completed the second.

Main outcome measure(s). Self-reported confidence and preparedness for common intern tasks.

Results. The surveys identified tasks that interns undertake frequently, their preparedness for these and their confidence in completing them. Although most felt reasonably well prepared by their university training for many tasks they commonly undertake as interns, this was not the case for all tasks. In particular, they did not feel well prepared for the following: preoperative patient review, handover, fluid and medication management, patient admissions, assessment of unstable patients, communication with patients and families, and pain management.

Conclusions. There are particular domains of work-readiness for interns that could be improved. For best results, the training of interns in these common tasks should be undertaken jointly by hospitals and universities to ensure smooth transition from medical student to intern.