Perspectives of Recent Graduates on Clerkship Procedural Skill Training at a Canadian Medical School: an Exploratory Study

The implementation of competency-based medical education in Canada has presented both unique opportunities and challenges for improving undergraduate procedural skills curricula. Despite the recognized importance of procedural skills, there remains a lack of national congruency in procedural training across medical schools that must be addressed. When undertaking such curricular development, obtaining learner feedback is a crucial step that can facilitate practical changes and address disparities. The purpose of the current study is to explore the perspectives and insights of recent medical graduates surrounding the clerkship procedural skills curriculum at a Canadian medical school. Six residents from a variety of program specialties participated in a semi-structured focus group interview discussing key aspects of procedural skill training. The focus group was later transcribed and qualitatively analyzed for themes. The results highlight barriers to competency-based procedural skill training involving time constraints and obtaining required evaluations, and the ability of students to self-advocate for learning opportunities. Participants note few opportunities to practice nasogastric tube insertion and casting in particular. Recommendations for curricular improvement are discussed, including options for curricular remediation and resident perspectives on which procedural skills undergraduate trainees should achieve competency in by graduation.