The aim of this study was to evaluate Danish interns' clinical skills after their internship in order to identify areas where systematic training is needed. This study was a follow-up of a previous study on a group of interns at the beginning of their internship.
A questionnaire listing 88 practical skills was posted to a group of trainees before and after internship. The interns were asked to rate their level of mastery in each skill on a scale 0-10, where 0 = not mastery/not competent and 10 = mastery/competent.
In all, 74 out of 100 trainees returned the questionnaire. In 60 of the skills the trainees reported a higher level of mastery after internship and in 28 procedures the level of skill did not improve. Ten of these are procedures used in emergency settings.
The reliability of self-reported clinical skills can be discussed, but it is a major concern that skills particularly in emergency procedures do not improve. There is a need to define clear objectives, implement structured training programmes, and assess skills in order to accomplish a reliable and sufficient level of competency.
