[Clinical skills among interns]

Previous reports have demonstrated variable and partly insufficient skills levels in common practical procedures among interns after internship in hospital. The aim of the present study was to examine the development in interns' skills levels in practical procedures in relation to their gender, medical school, hospital and supervision.

Between July 1996 and July 1999 all interns in Norway were asked to indicate their skills level in 88 practical clinical procedures before and after hospital internship. Of the 599 interns included, 472 replied (79%).

Males reported significant higher skills levels than females. After internship, no differences between interns graduated from the four universities were observed. Our study shows that the hospital internship is an important part of the medical education. An overall improvement was found in all interns. Interns whose skills levels were low before internship, had the best improvement.

The finding of a variable skills level before and a variable development during internship indicates that teaching in practical procedures is unstructured and inadequate. A consensus on the skills to be acquired and on what level is needed. Improvements are also needed in the quality of supervision.