It's getting better: progress in medical senior house officer training in Scotland

To identify factors which influence the quality of education and training for medical senior house officers (SHOs) in Scotland compared to a study in 1995.

Postal questionnaire to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.

All 640 SHOs in hospital general medicine and medical specialty posts were identified; 395 (62%) responded.

Working patterns, experience of education and training, career choice, and an "attitudes to work" scale.

Sixty seven percent of SHOs had been in post for 2 years or less. Seventy three percent work some form of shift pattern compared to 28% in 1995. There were improvements in on the job feedback (92% v 27%), and awareness of educational supervisors (96% v 48%). SHO specific teaching was only available to 49% and was rarely bleep-free. Sixty eight percent had made career decisions. There was a statistically significant improvement in 20/25 components of an attitudes to work scale.

Overall medical SHOs have more positive attitudes to their work in 2003 than in 1995, mirroring educational improvements in the work place and changes in working patterns. There remain challenges particularly in provision of formal educational activities.