Perceived training needs and barriers among Korean residents: a cross-sectional survey for competency-based education

Current South Korean resident education relies heavily on apprenticeship models rather than the systematic curricula needed for multifaceted competency development. Therefore, a rigorous needs assessment is required for effective program design, particularly to target year-specific educational differences.

A cross-sectional survey of all residents at a single hospital branch was conducted in December 2023. An online questionnaire reviewing residents' perceptions of the current program, needs assessment for a proposed institutional core competency program, and evaluation of preferred educational topics was performed. Responses were analyzed utilizing Kruskal-Wallis, McNemar's, and chi-square tests, and compared in terms of education areas and residency years.

A survey of 117 residents revealed that while the current residency program is perceived as strong in clinical training, residents ideally desire a more comprehensive education encompassing clinical practice, research, and general competencies. There was a high willingness to participate in a new institutional core competency program, with a strong preference for online learning formats and supportive measures such as workload reduction to overcome barriers. Importantly, the analysis of preferred topics showed that educational needs evolve significantly throughout the residency, shifting from foundational clinical skills and stress management in junior years to advanced topics like research methodology, academic writing, and health systems in senior years.

These findings support that bridging the discrepancy between residents' current clinical-focused training and their desired comprehensive education necessitates the implementation of stage-specific curricula, blended learning models, and organizational support systems for an effective, competency-based resident education.