Organisational challenges in the adaptation of medical residents to educational and professional activities

Introduction. The challenges of attracting and retaining medical personnel, as well as enhancing their working conditions and health, must be identified, minimised, and addressed promptly at the residency level, which is a crucial stage of professional medical education. Aim. The present research aimed to identify and to compare the organisational challenges faced by medical residents in adapting to educational and professional activities, based on the degree of prevalence and complexity as assessed by the residents themselves. Methodology and research methods. The study was conducted from October to November 2023 and involved over 700 first-year medical residents from Altai, Kazan, Siberian, and Tyumen State Medical Universities. The methods employed included a literature review on the research problem, the use of questionnaires, reflective writing, as well as the analysis and synthesis of results, and the ranking of the obtained numerical data. Results. It was found that nearly half of the medical residents were completely satisfied with their training based on the results from the initial months. However, almost 40% reported experiencing issues. Respondents highly valued the presence of a departmental curator (over 84%), while the presence of a clinical mentor was rated lower (approximately 61%). The clarity of instructions from a mentor received a satisfaction rating of 58%, and the frequency of meetings with curators and mentors was appreciated by 53%. In contrast, the convenience and clarity of the schedule were rated low, at only 41%. Scientific novelty. The study is significant for the advancement of medical pedagogy theory and professional medical education. Assessments by medical residents regarding both direct and indirect indicators of the quality of their training organisation during the adaptation stage were identified and ranked. It was found that medical residents exhibit low readiness to formulate recommendations and engage in discussions about the organisation of their training. Practical significance. The results obtained are highly significant for organising the training of medical residents. This includes the development of software, educational and methodological support, training topics, roundtable discussions for residents and their instructors, and the creation of a specialised adaptation programme, as well as the advanced training of mentors and educators.