Resident Perceptions of Competency-Based Korean Medicine Education: A Qualitative, Content Analysis Study Conducted using Focus Group Interviews

Objectives: The new educational system emphasizes acquisition of clinical competency by the time of graduation from Korean medicine colleges that allow Korean medicine doctors to immediately perform clinical tasks. This study investigated awareness of competency-based education in Korean medicine hospital residents who must simultaneously undergo training and assist medical students in clinical practice.Methods: This was a qualitative research that was conducted using focus group interviews (FGIs) to investigate the awareness of demands for improvement in competency-based Korean medicine education in Korean medicine hospital. To apply the principles and procedures of FGIs, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed. Data analysis was conducted using the five steps of framework analysis.Results: According to contents analysis, first competency-based education that reflects actual clinical practice tasks is needed. Second, sufficient basic skill mastery education must be reinforced. Third, an intermediate curriculum that mediates clinical practice and basic education is needed. Fourth, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination and Clinical Performance Examination must be expanded to prepare for the Korean medicine doctor practical test.Conclusions: Korean medicine residents reported the gap between clinical practice and use of knowledge and skills acquired in the curriculum while acting as direct observers and educations of clinical clerkship in hospitals. Based on this exploratory study it is necessary to conduct research on the educational competency of Korean medicine residents who play an important role as educational leaders in Korean medicine clinical practice training.