An evaluation of the 18- and 12-month basic postgraduate training programmes in Denmark

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Training

Background:

• Danish postgraduate medical training transitioned from an 18-month to a 12-month program.
• The new program includes 6 months in a hospital ward and 6 months in general practice/hospital settings.
• This study evaluates physician experiences and attitudes towards the revised training structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physician evaluations of the 18-month and 12-month postgraduate training programs.
• To explore physicians' attitudes towards the new, shorter postgraduate training structure.
• To identify areas for improvement in basic physician training.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was developed to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
• The survey was distributed to physicians who completed basic postgraduate training in 2009.
• Data were collected from 1,034 physicians (66% response rate), with 25% in the 12-month program and 75% in the 18-month program.

Main Results:

• Physicians in the 12-month program felt less professionally equipped and ready for specialization compared to their 18-month counterparts.
• Participants requested a downward adjustment of learning objectives for subsequent training positions.
• Physicians did not believe enhanced supervision would offset the impact of a 6-month reduction in training time.
• There was a call for including internal medicine in all basic postgraduate training and for training in both secondary and primary healthcare.

Conclusions:

• Young physicians expressed reluctance towards the new 12-month basic postgraduate training program.
• The findings suggest the revised program may not adequately prepare physicians for specialization.
• Physicians desire broader training experiences, including internal medicine and diverse healthcare settings.