Factors Affecting the Choice to Study Residency Programmes in Regional Hospitals in Thailand
Keywords:
Residency, Internship, Regional Hospital, Tertiary Hospital, Community HospitalAbstract
Abstract
Introduction: The residency training system in Thailand includes two sections: training in regional hospitals and training in university hospitals. The proportion of training in university hospitals is significantly higher due to their greater popularity. Understanding the factors influencing the decision to choose residency training locations could help improve the training in regional hospitals and increase their popularity among new doctors.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study collected data through an online questionnaire from residents currently training in either regional or university hospitals in Thailand. The study examined whether various factors related to the institution’s characteristics and personal reasons were associated with the choice to train in regional hospitals.
Results: A total of 111 respondents participated, comprising 57 males (51.35%) and 54 females (48.65%). Among them, 94 (84.68%) were training in regional hospitals, while 17 (15.32%) were in university hospitals. Results show that the most significant factor influencing the choice to train in regional hospitals was lack of confidence in being selected for university hospitals (p-value = 0.001). Other factors, including quality of the training system, educational support, and work-life balance, were statistically significant in univariate binary logistic regression but not in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: The main factor influencing doctors to choose residency training in regional hospitals in Thailand is lack of confidence in being selected for university hospitals, which is a personal reason that cannot be changed. However, regional hospitals can improve the quality of their training systems, educational support, and work-life balance to increase their attractiveness to new doctors.
Keywords: Residency, Internship, Regional Hospital, Tertiary Hospital, Community Hospital
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