Perceptions of MBBS Interns Regarding Internship Training in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Internship, an integral part of the MBBS course, includes mandatory clinical rotations during which interns apply knowledge, develop patient management skills, build competencies, and mould themselves into competent medical professionals. However, perceptions of competency achievement and overall internship experience may vary. This study assessed the perceptions of MBBS interns in Nepal regarding their internship training.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 20 November 2022 and 20 January 2023 among MBBS interns from various medical schools who had recently completed or were completing their internships. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire in English was distributed to the eligible interns using Google Forms. The questionnaire included a five-point Likert scale and closed- and open-ended questions on clinical skills, teamwork, conflict and stress management, postgraduate plans, internship satisfaction, and recommendations for improvement.
Results: A total of 280 interns (male: 61.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Most interns (92%) reported enjoying their internships, while 57.5% felt that the MBBS curriculum adequately prepared them for training. High self-reported proficiency was observed in medical history-taking (86.5%), patient communication (75%), managing common health problems (67.5%), triaging (66.4%), and physical examinations (65.3%). Excessive duties or workload (55%) were the most common challenge, while learning professional skills was viewed as the most valuable aspect of the internship. Additionally, 59% believed that interns should be treated respectfully by medical teams, patients, and their relatives. Collaborative discussions (34%) were the primary conflict resolution strategy, while support from friends and family was the most common stress management method.
Conclusions: MBBS interns reported positive perceptions of their internship experiences and expressed confidence in their professional competencies across most domains of their internship.
Keywords: Education; internship and residency; medical; Nepal; students.