Trainees' experience of postgraduate clinical training

Abstract

Current postgraduate clinical trainees' opinions regarding both the strengths and weaknesses of training were investigated. Sixteen participants were recruited from six universities across four Australian states. Gender distribution matched that of training courses generally, with 14 female students and 2 male participants, aged between 23 and 44 years. Trainees participated in semistructured interviews about the main components of clinical training. Results provide a rich source of opinion concerning overall satisfaction with training, elements of effective and ineffective courses, clinical supervision, evaluation in training, reasons for enrolment, and professional issues. Main issues for consideration in improving training courses are discussed, including selection issues, training methods, staffing factors, and evaluation methods.