The learners' perspective on internal medicine ward rounds: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Internal Medicine Training

Background:

• Ward rounds are a core component of Internal Medicine education.
• This study assessed trainee perceptions of current ward rounds and desired improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how well current ward rounds meet learning needs.
• To understand trainees' preferences for conducting ward rounds.
• To identify differences in opinions between medical students and postgraduate trainees.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 134 Internal Medicine trainees (students, interns, residents, fellows).
• Data collected via a structured, self-designed questionnaire with a 1-5 rating scale.
• Analysis of responses to assess satisfaction and preferences.

Main Results:

• Clinical skills and bedside teaching received low scores (mean ~2.5), particularly from postgraduates.
• Patient management was rated highest in current rounds (mean 3.71) and desired most in future rounds (mean 4.64).
• Postgraduates desired more focus on communication, ethics; students on bedside examination and management. 87% preferred bedside rounds, but 68% felt a lack of individual attention.

Conclusions:

• Current ward rounds require modification to better align with trainee expectations.
• Improving bedside teaching and clinical skills, alongside addressing postgraduate-specific needs, is essential.
• Enhancing individual attention during rounds is necessary to maximize educational benefits.