Using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure to Identify Areas for Improvement in a Singaporean Residency Program

Abstract

Background Attributes of the clinical learning environment (CLE) are a measure of quality in postgraduate medical education, and assessing the CLE is a component of the New Accreditation System being introduced in Singapore by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International. There is a dearth of published studies of CLE quality in Singapore. Objective Our study had 3 aims: (1) to measure the CLE in 1 Singaporean residency program; (2) to compare trainee perceptions by sex, training level, and experience; and (3) to identify areas for improvement. Methods Between October and December 2017, we conducted a mixed assessment of the CLE in an internal medicine program in Singapore, using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) and qualitative exploration using a focus group. Results Of 153 IM residents, 136 (89%) provided PHEEM responses and 8 participated in the focus group. Total PHEEM scores and scores for the 3 subscales were higher than published data on the use of the PHEEM in international settings. Exploration of selected PHEEM responses via a focus group identified attributes associated with negative perceptions of the CLE: excessive workload, inadequate faculty presence in the CLE, and unmet trainee needs. It also suggested senior residents' clinical workloads, greater responsibilities, and pending examinations may contribute to their less positive perceptions of the CLE. Conclusions Our analysis using the PHEEM showed overall positive perceptions of the CLE, along with areas for improvement amenable to interventions. Our approach has relevance to an accreditation model with ongoing evaluation of the CLE.

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