The clinical learning environment in anaesthesiology in Kerala---Is it good enough?---A web-based survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evaluation of postgraduate (PG) training is important so that necessary modifications can be made. The quality of anaesthesiology teaching in our country has not been explored. We performed a survey among the anaesthesiology PGs of Kerala to assess their perceptions about their learning environment as well as to look for the deficits in the training program. METHODS: An online web-based survey was conducted. The questionnaire was developed after a detailed validation process and circulated via Google forms. The questionnaire had three parts. First part asked for demographic details. Second part had 22 statements in four domains to evaluate the quality of training, which were to be answered based on a five-point Likert scale. The third part asked for the suggestions of the trainees on changes to be made for the improvement in quality of their training. RESULTS: The response rate was 64%. The social atmosphere was perceived positively in general by our PGs. Majority of them received feedback on their work and had a regular class schedule. Only 34% of the residents got training in non-technical skills. More tutorials and case discussions were the most common change suggested by the residents. Lack of research training and training in simulation labs were the major lacunae identified. CONCLUSION: The clinical learning environment (CLE) was perceived to be of medium to high quality by the anaesthesiology PGs of Kerala. Lack of routine assessments and regular academic sessions were reflected in the responses.