Factors affecting learning during internship: A qualitative study of junior doctors

Internship is a crucial period of learning for medical graduates. The aim of this study was to ascertain what interns learned during internship, who they learned from and the type of environments that influenced their learning.

This qualitative study was conducted within the constructivist paradigm of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of learning.

Interns mostly learned what they were expected to learn. They built on their existing knowledge with help from a more knowledgeable other and in an environment that was conducive to learning except when they needed to manage complex situations on their own with no previous experience or training. Learning was influenced by factors related to the workplace, supervisor or senior doctor and learner.

The learning environment is inextricably related to the professional behaviour of clinical teachers and supervisors. A safe and supportive learning environment is necessary for optimal learning outcomes during internship.