Transitional challenges faced by medical intern doctors (IDs) in Vanuatu: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Systems
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The transition from medical student to registered doctor is a critical and challenging phase.
• Intern doctors (IDs) experience significant impacts on their professional lives and transitional experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and understand the transitional challenges faced by intern doctors in Vanuatu.
• To provide insights for improving the support systems for medical interns.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological approach.
• Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 27 intern doctors in Vanuatu.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Three primary challenge categories emerged: unmet intern welfare, diverse medical training institutions, and transitional shock.
• Interns reported inadequate welfare provisions and difficulties stemming from varied educational backgrounds.
• Transitional shock significantly impacted the professional and personal lives of intern doctors.

Conclusions:

• Intern doctor welfare requires improvement in Vanuatu.
• Addressing the challenges of diverse medical training backgrounds is essential.
• Healthcare leaders and stakeholders must recognize and act upon these identified intern challenges.