Differences between students and physicians in their entitlement towards procedural skills education – a needs assessment of skills training in internal medicine

OBJECTIVE Procedural skills education has a high priority for medical students. However, it is not clear what kind of skills they consider important and whether their perception differs from the physicians' view. METHODS We conducted a survey on 26 skills in internal medicine among medical students and physicians. Ninety-five fourth year and 62 final year students along with 67 physicians working in medical departments participated in the survey. A similar but smaller survey was completed earlier before the implementation of a skills training at the faculty. RESULTS Students generally preferred technically complex skills while, in contrast, physicians found "bed-side-skills" more important. The result was independent of the students' participation in the skills training or of the physicians' experience. A similar result was achieved in the smaller survey before the implementation of the skills training. CONCLUSION Students and physicians significantly differ in their entitlement towards procedural skills education. This should be considered when educational strategies are being discussed.