Using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure to Identify Areas for Improvement in a Singaporean...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Quality Assessment

Background:

• Clinical learning environment (CLE) quality is vital in postgraduate medical education.
• Assessing CLE is part of Singapore's new accreditation system.
• Limited research exists on CLE quality in Singapore.

Purpose of the Study:

• Measure the CLE in a Singaporean internal medicine residency program.
• Compare trainee perceptions across demographics and experience levels.
• Identify specific areas for CLE improvement.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM).
• Qualitative data gathered through a focus group discussion.
• Data collected from October to December 2017.

Main Results:

• High response rate (89%) for PHEEM from 153 residents.
• Overall PHEEM scores exceeded international benchmarks.
• Negative perceptions linked to workload, faculty presence, and unmet needs; senior residents reported lower satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The PHEEM revealed generally positive perceptions of the CLE.
• Identified specific, actionable areas for intervention and improvement.
• The evaluation approach is relevant for accreditation models requiring ongoing CLE assessment.