INTRODUCTION: There are advantages and disadvantages of general mandatory seminars in the education of pre-registration house officers. The seminars are highly rated by the pre-registration house officers, but we do not know what value they represent for the pre-registration house officers. The aim of this study was to explore this further. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four focus group interviews with five junior doctors were conducted. Three themes were discussed: the advantages of the seminars, the disadvantages of the seminars and the needs or wishes concerning both the seminars and education generally. The interviews were transcribed, and a three-step content analysis was carried out in order to identify general aspects of value. RESULTS: Three general aspects were found: 1) the social aspect--being part of a community of like-minded peers, sharing frustrations and experiences and making comparisons with peers, 2) the aspect of utility--whether the seminars offer any concrete and relevant tools to help manage complex situations in the clinic, 3) the aspect of recognition--the seminars offer a sense of being appreciated and taken seriously which is lacking in the clinic where junior doctors feel isolated and require feedback and supervision. CONCLUSION: The results reflect the pre-registration house officers' social needs and need for tools to manage complex situations and their need for recognition. The value of the seminars must be seen in terms of facilitating and supporting the development of both clinical competence and identity as a doctor
Udgivelsesdato: 2008/5/5