Perception of Preparedness for Clinical Work Among New Residents: A Cross-sectional Study from Oman.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate new residents' perceptions of their own preparedness for clinical practice and examine the associated factors.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted on August 20-23, 2016. New residents accepted for postgraduate training by Oman Medical Specialty Board were asked to complete the Preparation for Hospital Practice Questionnaire (PHPQ). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.

RESULTS

A total of 160 residents were invited to participate in this study. Out of 160, 140 residents participated (87.5%), 70.7% were female and 59.3% were graduates from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Ninety-nine percent of the graduates were either 'well prepared' or 'fairly well prepared' for hospital practice. Male residents scored higher in the confidence scale, while residents who did a post-internship general practice placement scored higher in understanding science. Graduates from Oman Medical College felt more prepared compared to graduates from SQU.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the new residents were well prepared to clinical work. Factors such as place of undergraduate study, training, and duration of internship significantly influenced the residents' perception of preparedness. Addressing these factors will enhance residents' preparedness for clinical work.