Quantitative Analysis of Competency Levels in Medical Interns of a Tertiary Care Hospital in India - A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

The MCI has laid down a basic framework for interns, which it expects all prospective doctors to be well versed in. Asking students to demonstrate their understanding of the subject, ability to think critically, analyze, infer and act accordingly is imperative to the learning process. To assess competency levels in medical interns post internship via a questionnaire developed based on MCI framework and departmental expectations of clinical capabilities. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care hospital involving 74 interns nearing end of internship in the year 2017. A questionnaire consisting of core competencies such as professionalism, communication skills, learning competency, clinical problem solving amongst others was provided to each and competency levels were assessed against a pre-defined scale. Answers were graded as Poor, Average, Good and Excellent with corresponding numerical equivalents 0, 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The values obtained were analysed using Weighted Sum technique through Microsoft Excel tool. An ideal average competency score was initially established and overall competency of each intern was adjudged against the same. Out of 74 candidates that answered the questionnaire, a vast majority of 50 were found at below average competency. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation was known only to 13 students. Around 50 students were severely lacking with regards to knowledge about the use of preferred antibiotic in sepsis and seizures. There seems to exist significant disconnect in the expectations of MCI on one hand and actual knowledge and skill acquisition of the doctors on other. A departmental wise curriculum and exams at the end of each departmental posting which is more skill based will enable a well-trained doctor with reasonable skills and knowledge to obtain his license to practice.