Publication: Perceptions of MBBS Interns Regarding Internship Training in Nepal
Date
2025
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1999-6217
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 718 - 728
Publisher
Nepal Health Research Council
Abstract
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.
Description
Ajaya Kumar Dhakal
Department of Paediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Devendra Shrestha
Department of Paediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Nisha Jha
Department of Pharmacology, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Moon Thapa
Department of Paediatrics, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
Raju Kafle
Department of Paediatrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
Daman Raj Poudel
Department of Paediatrics, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Shanti Regmi
Department of Paediatrics, Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan, Nepal
Anand Kumar Jha
Department of Paediatrics, National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal
Namrata KC
Department of Paediatrics, Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, Nepal
Divya KC
Department of Paediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Keywords
Education, Internship and residency, Medical, Nepal, Students
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v23i04.4850