The Views of Interns of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Regarding Practical Education and Clinical Skills Based on the Basic Minimum Competencies Statement of General Practitioners in Iran

Medical education is based on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Clinical skills training is an essential component of medical education. One of the best evaluation methods for educational systems is to determine learner's opinions on the quality of teaching. In this study, senior medical student's views of practical education and clinical skills were studied.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2012 on 122 senior medical interns in their 14th semester. A questionnaire consisting of 18 items regarding clinical and communication skills and 35 items regarding practical measures was distributed among participants. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the acquired data.

Among the participants, 11.3% and 48.7% reported a very high rate and high rate of communication skills, respectively. Moreover, 62.5% of students reported that they had received the necessary education on first aid skills, and only 13.7% and 2.5% reported low and very low ability in this regard.

In terms of obtaining accurate and purposeful clinical history and data recording, the students had received favorable training. However, other skills were reported to be at low and very low levels.