Learning environment of the Saudi psychiatry board training program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry Training
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• The learning environment significantly impacts resident education and professional growth.
• Assessing the educational climate is crucial for identifying areas of strength and weakness in postgraduate training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning environment of the Saudi psychiatry board program using the Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT).
• To explore residents' perceptions across various domains of the educational climate.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving Saudi psychiatry residents.
• The validated Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) instrument was administered.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, post hoc analysis, and Pearson's correlation.

Main Results:

• A response rate of 81.25% (78/96 residents) was achieved.
• The overall D-RECT score was 2.76±0.55, with low scores in feedback (2.00±0.85) and coaching/assessment (2.60±0.73).
• Female residents reported a significantly better learning environment than male residents.

Conclusions:

• Most learning environment domains in the Saudi psychiatry program require significant improvement.
• The D-RECT is a reliable instrument for evaluating and enhancing postgraduate training programs.
• A strategic plan for reevaluation and enhancement of the learning environment is necessary.