House officers' perceptions of their experience and competence

An earlier study reported upon graduating medical students' experience of practical procedures and acute conditions. This paper reports briefly upon the results of a pilot study assessing house officers' cumulative experience at the end of each of their pre-registration posts. Their experience of a list of conditions and procedures by the end of the pre-registration year is presented, together with house officers' estimation of their present competence to manage and undertake them. Although many gaps identified at graduation no longer exist by the end of this year, a minority of doctors still do not feel competent to take initial responsibility for managing some important conditions or to carry out some basic procedures.