The Impact of Pre-internship Training Programs on Medical Students' Perspectives, Knowledge, and Performance during the Transition from Medical School to Internship

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Internist, Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Medical Sciences Education Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of E-learning in Medical Sciences, Smart University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

6 Department of Emergency Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

7 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

8 Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the impact of pre-internship training programs on the perspective, knowledge, and performance of medical students transitioning from medical school to internship at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Method: A quantitative, interventional study was conducted at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences on medical students entering their internship in the first and second semesters of 2021-2022. The participants were divided into intervention and control groups. A baseline preparedness assessment included a pretest using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a questionnaire assessing interns' views. The intervention group received training in the final month of their medical education before beginning their internships. Both groups were re-evaluated with a post-test after gaining internship experience, and data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Of 144 participants, 133 completed the study. The control group had higher pre-test scores in knowledge and skills related to starting an internship, familiarity with patient hospitalization and discharge processes, and overall questionnaire scores (p = 0.018, p = 0.008, p = 0.005, p = 0.012, respectively). Conversely, the intervention group exhibited significantly higher knowledge related to internship processes, self-confidence, and working interactions post-training (p < 0.001). While pre-test OSCE scores were similar (p = 0.254), the intervention group outperformed the control group in the post-test (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that pre-internship training programs significantly enhance the preparedness of medical students for their internships, highlighting their importance in equipping future health professionals with essential competencies for effective patient care.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Future of Medical Education Journal
Volume 16, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 15-22

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