Placement of Postgraduate Medical Residents at Peripheral Hospitals during their Training: An Assessment of...

The district residency program (DRP) was introduced by the National Medical Commission to enhance practical training for postgraduate medical residents in India. Irrespective of their specialty, residents have to undergo 3 months DRP program and is a critical component of the postgraduate curriculum.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the DRP in Kerala, focusing on knowledge improvement, implementation of national health programs, challenges faced, and satisfaction levels.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 59 postgraduate medical students in Kerala. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed.

Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Fifty-nine responses gathered. The mean age was 29.64 years (standard deviation = 2.148). The majority were females (61.0%) and enrolled in 2022 (54.2%). Thirty-seven (62.7%) performed general clinical duties, 44 (74.6%) outpatient and inpatient services by 40 (67.8%). Fifty-seven (96.6%) reported logbook maintenance and supportive supervision. 17 (28.8%) received hands-on surgical training. Forty-seven (79.7%) suggested continuing DRP is useful, though 22 (37.3%) opined is of excess duration. Adequate lodging and food arrangement were reported by (35%-59.3%) and 42 (71.2%), respectively.

DRP enhances the practical experience, understanding health services, and secondary-level care delivery. Improvements in surgical training and lodging are required. Duty allocation during night and emergency is needed.