IMPACT OF PUNCTUALITY AND REGULARITY ON LEARNING BEHAVIORS AND CLINICAL SKILLS IN POST-GRADUATE RESIDENTS AT NISHTAR HOSPITAL MULTAN

: Punctuality and regularity are crucial traits in medical education that can significantly impact learning behaviors and clinical skills development. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence investigating their impact on postgraduate residents in the Pakistani healthcare system. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of doctoral residents regarding punctuality and regularity in their clinical and learning activities at Nishtar Hospital Multan. The study also seeks to identify the perceived effects of punctuality and regularity on residents' learning behaviors and clinical skills development, highlight any barriers or facilitators to maintaining punctuality and regularity in the residency program, and provide insights to inform future interventions or policies aimed at promoting punctuality and regularity among postgraduate residents. The study found that punctuality and regularity significantly enhance postgraduate residents' learning behaviors and clinical skills. Punctual and regular residents reported better time management skills, increased exposure to different cases, and improved academic performance in their clinical and learning activities. However, some residents faced barriers to maintaining punctuality and regularity, such as long working hours and inadequate supervisor support. The study suggests that interventions aimed at promoting punctuality and regularity should consider the unique challenges and opportunities of the Pakistani healthcare system and prioritize the needs and experiences of postgraduate residents.