An Analysis of the Educational Environment at the Malta Foundation Programme Using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM)

BACKGROUND: Learning from managing patients in a real-world context is by far superior to simulation learning. A substandard educational environment is associated with poor patient care and suboptimal learning outcomes. The measurement of the educational environment provides insight into what is needed to improve the level of training. OBJECTIVE: To measure the educational environment as perceived by trainees within the Malta Foundation Programme. METHODS: This study used the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) to measure the educational environment at the Malta Foundation Programme. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics of the study population. Nonparametric comparative statistics were used to identify statistically significant differences between groups. RESULTS: Ninety-eight trainees out of 370 (26.5%) completed the online questionnaire. These consisted of 39 FY1s (31.5% of 124), 33 FY2s (24.8% of 133), and 26 extended FYs (23.0% of 113). The 40-item PHEEM showed good reliability with a Cronbach’s α value of .912. These doctors perceived their educational environment as more positive than negative. Perceptions are worst among trainees at the end of their first year of training. Those who had just finished their training have reported better perceptions. The 3 worst scoring items are related to when the trainees are on call. CONCLUSION: Among trainees within the Malta Foundation Programme, perceptions of role autonomy and social support are areas where most work is needed. Teaching seems to be moving in the right direction, but there is always room for improvement.