Perceived usefulness of a blended learning approach for skills training among medical interns: a pilot study.

Background: Internship is a phase of training wherein medical graduates acquire the skills and competencies required to function independently. It has been reported that interns lack confidence in performing common procedures, as these skills are often learnt through self-learning or performing without supervision. This type of learning endangers patient safety and fails to instil the required confidence in the student. Training in skills laboratories provide opportunity to learn clinical skills in a safe environment. However, skills laboratories are resource-intensive, and there is limited information on different training approaches, such as blended learning, and how the trainees perceive their usefulness. Hence, we conducted this pilot study to assess the perceived usefulness of a blended learning approach for skills training among medical interns.

Methods: This mixed methods study was conducted in the skills laboratory of an apex medical institute in India, among 42 interns posted for the Interns Skill-based Clinical Induction Program (ISCIP). In this training, a blended learning approach was adopted, which comprised of two components - an online e-learning module, followed by a hands-on training session. The trainees were asked to complete a feedback form and grade different components of the online session, and hands-on session on a five-item Likert-based scale. The scores were expressed as the mean (SD) of a maximum possible score of 5 for each of the components. In order to gain insight of the perceived usefulness of skills training among learners, focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted.

Results: The mean (SD) score for perceived importance ranged from 5 (0) to 4.9 (0.2) for various skills. The proportion of interns who felt confident in performing the skill after the training was 88.1% for IV cannulation to 97.6% handwashing, and gloving and gowning. The findings of the qualitative component revealed that interns found the training to be useful and interesting. It was perceived to be more ethical, uniform, well-structured, and provided an opportunity to practice a skill repeatedly.

Conclusions: The blended learning approach was perceived to be useful among the medical interns. Further research may be conducted in other medical institutes to assess the effectiveness of skills training.

Clinical trial registration number: Not applicable, as the study is not a trial.