Perception of post-MBBS interns toward their internship and skill developed during internship: A cross-sectional observational study in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: In India, MBBS programs span 5½ years, with 1-year mandatory internship during which interns acquire essential medical skills. However, recent literature has highlighted that interns lack the knowledge and confidence to perform routine and emergency medical procedures. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of post-MBBS interns regarding their internship experience and the skills they developed during this period. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted with 100 participants. The study utilized a pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 13 questions related to attitudes and 30 questions related to skills acquired during internship. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data using SPSS version 24.0. Results: Among participants, 57 were male and 43 were female. The majority perceived the internship as a challenging phase, which significantly improved their skills and contributed to their development as independent practitioners. Internship experiences strongly influenced postgraduate specialization choices. The workload during the internship was considered high by most participants, with some postings deemed unnecessary. 94 participants reported performing menial tasks. While certain skills, such as blood pressure measurement, blood collection, intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous injections, and respiratory therapy insertion, were performed by over 80% of interns, other skills such as arterial blood gas interpretation, episiotomy, pleural tapping, and endotracheal intubation were only performed independently by very few participants. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the perceptions and skill development of post-MBBS interns during their internships, underscoring the importance of practical experiences for professional growth.