Journal of Practical Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency is an important department of any hospital, and education of medical students in this ward is of great importance. The students gain necessary skills for facing critical situations in this department. Therefore, educational conditions should be constantly monitored and improved in order to reach an efficient situation. The present study was aimed to survey the interns’ viewpoint on the condition of medical education in the emergency department (ED). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 interns of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were questioned using a pre-designed checklist during the time between October 2013 and October 2014. The checklist consisted of demographic data and survey questions regarding the current condition, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, educational rank of ED compared to other hospital’s departments, and varying the duration of the educational course in ED. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: 100 interns were evaluated (55% female), with an average age of 24.7±1.5 years (minimum 23 and maximum 26). Most of the interns believed that training regarding clinical examination, diagnosis expression and treatment orders was enough for learning key points, while bedside education was inadequate. Most of the interns believed that gaining theoretical knowledge on examination and diagnosis, was acceptable except regarding encountering patients with a decreased level of consciousness. Yet, they believed there were some deficiencies regarding theoretical knowledge on treatment, except for treating allergies. Educational rank of ED compared to other departments was believed to be average. 60% of the interns thought that the duration of medical education in ED should be increased, 4% believed it should be decreased, and 36% were satisfied with the current duration. Conclusion: Based on the results of this survey, the interns of two studied Hospitals were averagely satisfied with their educational condition in ED. Most interns believed that there was deficiency in the bedside education and theoretical knowledge, while they were relatively satisfied with the amount and quality of practical skills’ training.