Postgraduate training in Ireland: expectations and experience.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Postgraduate Training
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Irish postgraduate medical training faces criticism compared to international standards.
• A lack of studies using validated tools to assess the training environment in Ireland.
• Previous research focused on identifying features of good training environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess postgraduate training expectations and experiences in Ireland.
• Utilize a validated tool to measure the learning environment for trainees.
• Examine the training climate within the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).

Main Methods:

• Employed the Dutch Residency Education Climate Test (D-RECT), a 50-item validated tool.
• Surveyed new entrants (n=527) on training expectations (80.6% response rate).
• Surveyed all trainees (n=1,246) on training experience (32.6% response rate).

Main Results:

• Training experience did not meet expectations for basic specialist trainees.
• Trainee experience scores improved with seniority, aligning with expectations.
• Positive aspects included teamwork and consultant engagement; feedback and learning time were identified as weaknesses.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative measurement of the learning environment provides valuable data for quality assurance.
• National-level assessment using validated tools can drive improvements in medical training.
• Addressing feedback and learning time can enhance the postgraduate medical training environment in Ireland.