Trainees’ perceptions on learning environment in a pediatric training program in Indonesia

Abstract

Background Learning environments in pediatric specialist training programs are complex and may influence trainees’ performance and achievement. The postgraduate hospital educational environment measure (PHEEM) is useful for evaluating the role of autonomy, teaching, and social support. Objective To evaluate the learning environment in a pediatric specialist training program in Indonesia and compare the perceptions among the junior, middle, and senior trainees. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on pediatric specialist trainees in the Pediatric Specialist Training Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia in May 2019. Trainees filled the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire online, which had been translated into Indonesian. Results All 136 trainees, consisting of 35 (25.7%) junior, 44 (32.3%) middle, and 57 (42%) senior level, completed the survey. The mean total PHEEM score for all trainees was 108.10 (SD 17.03), which indicates needs improvement. The mean scores for the role of autonomy, teaching, and social support were similar among trainee levels. Nevertheless, junior trainees scored lower than the middle and senior trainees for the question on perform-ing inappropriate tasks. Conclusion The learning environment of our pediatric training program is perceived as good, but needing improvement. There is no difference in perception of learning environment among trainee levels. [Paediatr Indones. 2022;62:249-56 DOI:.